Introduction
Levocetril belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. It is used to treat various allergic conditions such as hay fever, conjunctivitis, some skin reactions such as eczema, hives, and reactions to bites and stings. It also relieves watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and itching.
Levocetril can be taken with or without food. The dose required by you may vary depending on what you are taking it for. This medicine is usually taken in the evening, but follow the advice of your doctor on how to take it. You may need this medicine only on days you have symptoms, but if you are taking it to prevent the symptoms then you should take it regularly. If you miss doses or stop taking it earlier than advised, your symptoms may come back.
This medicine is generally very safe. The most common side effects include feeling sleepy or dizzy, dry mouth, fatigue, and headache. These are usually mild and go away after a couple of days as your body adjusts to it. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worry you.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems or epilepsy (seizures). Your dose may need to be modified or this medicine may not suit you. Some other medicines can interact with this medicine so let your healthcare team know what else you are taking. You should also talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, although it is not thought to be harmful.
Side effects of Levocetril
Common
- Sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dryness in mouth
How to use Levocetril
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Levocetril may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Levocetril works
Levocetril is an antihistaminic medication. It treats allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes by blocking the effects of a chemical messenger (histamine) in the body.
Indication
Allergic rhinitis, Allergic conditions, Chronic idiopathic urticaria
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Adult Dose
Oral
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, Chronic idiopathic urticaria
Adult: 5mg once daily
Child Dose
Oral
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, Chronic idiopathic urticaria
Children 12 years of age and older: 5mg once daily
Children 6 to 11 years of age: 2.5mg (1/2 tablet or 1 teaspoon oral solution) once daily
Children 6 months to 5 years of age: 1.25 mg (1/2 teaspoon oral solution) once daily
Renal Dose
Renal Impairment
CrCl 50-80 mL/min: 2.5 mg PO qDay
CrCl 30-50 mL/min: 2.5 mg PO qOD
CrCl 10-30 mL/min: 2.5 mg PO 2x/wk
CrCl <10 mL/min: contraindicated
Contraindication
Patients who are hypersensitive to this medication or to any of its ingredients.
Mode of Action
Levocetirizine is an active isomer of cetirizine which selectively competes w/ histamine for H1-receptor sites on effector cells in the GI tract, blood vessels and resp tract.
Precaution
Epileptic patients and patients at risk of convulsions. Renal impairment. Pregnancy and lactation. Patient Counselling May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Monitoring Parameters Monitor CrCl prior to treatment for dosage adjustment.
Lactation: expected to be excreted in breast milk, avoid
Side Effect
1-10%
Dry mouth,Fatigue,Nasopharyngitis,Pharyngitis
Frequency Not Defined
Somnolence, dizziness, pyrexia, cough, epistaxis, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, otitis media, dysuria, urinary retention, blurred vision, angioedema, paraesthesia, dystonia, oculogyric crisis, myoclonus, extrapyramidal symptoms.
Interaction
Possible additive adverse CNS effects w/ CNS depressants (e.g. sedatives, tranquilizers).