Generic name: levocetirizine [ LEE-voe-se-TIR-a-zeen ]
Brand names: Xyzal, Levrix
Dosage forms: oral solution, oral tablet
Drug class: Antihistamines
What is levocetirizine?
Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that may be used to reduce allergy symptoms such as red, itchy, or watery eyes; a runny nose; sneezing; rashes; or reactions to insect bites or stings.
Levocetirizine works by reducing the effects of a natural chemical in the body called histamine. Histamine can produce symptoms such as a runny nose or hives.
Levocetirizine is used to treat symptoms of year-round (also called perennial) allergies in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.
Levocetirizine is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic (long-lasting) urticaria (hives) in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.
Levocetirizine was FDA approved in 2007.
Warnings
Follow all the directions on your levocetirizine label and package. Tell all your healthcare providers that you take levocetirizine.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use levocetirizine if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine (Zyrtec).
You should not take levocetirizine if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. Any child younger than 12 years old with kidney disease should not take levocetirizine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
- urination problems (caused by conditions such as enlarged prostate or spinal cord lesion); or
- gallbladder problems.
Levocetirizine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intending to become pregnant.
You should not breast-feed while taking levocetirizine.
Levocetirizine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 months old.
How should I take levocetirizine?
Take levocetirizine exactly as directed on the label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets about levocetirizine.
A child’s dose of levocetirizine is based on the age of the child. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
Do not give a child more than the prescribed dose of levocetirizine. A child’s body absorbs twice as much of the same dose of levocetirizine as an adult’s body.
Taking more levocetirizine than instructed will not make it more effective, and may cause severe drowsiness.
Levocetirizine is usually taken in the evening, with or without food.
Measure liquid levocetirizine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever.
Store levocetirizine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of levocetirizine, take the missed dose as soon as you can. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line ..
What should I avoid while taking levocetirizine?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how levocetirizine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Drinking alcohol with levocetirizine can cause side effects such as drowsiness.
Levocetirizine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to levocetirizine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Levocetirizine may cause serious side effects. Stop using levocetirizine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- worsening allergy or urticaria symptoms;
- painful or difficult urination;
- little or no urination;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- fever; or
- signs of an ear infection–ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness in a child.
Common side effects of levocetirizine may include:
- drowsiness, tiredness;
- sinus pain;
- ear infection;
- cough;
- fever;
- nosebleed;
- vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
- dry mouth; or
- weight gain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA.
Levocetirizine dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:
5 mg orally once a day in the evening
Comments: Some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg orally once a day in the evening.
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (OTC): 5 mg orally once a day in the evening; some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg once a day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis:
6 months to 2 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day in the evening
Comments: The recommended dose in pediatric patients 6 months to 2 years should not be exceeded.
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (OTC):
6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day in the evening
12 years or older: 5 mg orally once a day in the evening; some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg once a day
Comments: Avoid use in patients less than 6 years.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:
6 months to 5 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day in the evening
6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day in the evening
12 years or older: 5 mg orally once a day in the evening; some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg once a day
