LEVOCETIRIZINE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xyzal

GENERIC NAME(S): LEVOCETIRIZINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE

 

Description: Levocetirizine selectively competes w/ histamine for H1-receptor sites on effector cells in the GI tract, blood vessels and resp tract. It is an active isomer of cetirizine.

Onset: W/in 1 hr.

Duration: 24 hr.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption: Rapidly and extensively absorbed from the GI tract. High-fat meal reduces peak plasma concentration (approx 36%) and delays time to peak plasma concentration (approx 1.25 hr) but does not affect plasma concentration-time profile. Time to peak plasma concentration: 0.9 hr (tab); 0.5 hr (oral soln).

Distribution: Volume of distribution: 0.4 L/kg. Plasma protein binding: Approx 91-92% (mainly albumin).

Metabolism: Limited metabolism by aromatic oxidation, N- and O-dealkylation, and taurine conjugation.

Excretion: Via urine (85.4%, via glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion) and faeces (12.9%). Plasma half-life: Approx 8-9 hr.

Uses

Levocetirizine relieves allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.

How to use levocetirizine

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the evening.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen:

  • Drowsiness
  • Tiredness
  • dry mouth
  • Fever
  • cough

Tell your doctor right away if you have difficulty urinating or weakness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • Rash
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • severe dizziness
  • trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

  • Allergic reaction to medication
  • Patient with medical history of difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate) or kidney disease.
  • This drug may make you drowsy
  • Tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before having surgery
  • This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy
  • Consult your doctor before breast-feeding

Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.

 

Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including:

  • Alcohol
  • other antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine)
  • drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem)
  • muscle relaxants
  • narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine)

Increased side effects may occur with any other antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray).

Do not use these medications while using levocetirizine.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose & Brands

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

 

Brands:

Available Brands:

Allerzet [ UAP ]

Allerzet Syrup [ Pediatrica ]Getcet [ Getz Pharma ]

Glencet [ Glenmark ]Histalev [ Amegh Pharma ]

Letrizine [ Hetero Drugs ]Levocet-Natrapharm [ Natrapharm ]

Levoprix [ Shou Chan ]Levozyr [ Kolmar Korea ]

L-zet [ Twilight Litaka ]Purcet [ Kusum Healthcare ]

RiteMED Levocetirizine [ RiteMED ]Sensitrin [ XL Lab ]

Tecovel [ OEP Phils ]Xyzal [ GlaxoSmithKline ] 

Also marketed as:

Lisinex [ XL Lab ]

Nozal [ Korea United Pharma ]Zocet 5 [ Agio ]

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