Levocetirizine

Drug #1698

Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride is an isomer of cetrizine, a non-sedating antihistamine used for the treatment of allergic conditions, such as hay fever, urticaria.

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Primary Characteristics

Levocetirizine is also known as Levocetirizine [HCl], Levocetirizine dihydrochloride, .

It is of Synthetic origin.

Molecular Weight: 388.6 · Non-proprietary name: Levocetirizine.

Pharmacokinetics

Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic 14% c4p3A4, plasma half-life is 8-9 hr.

Indications

Levocetirizine is primarily indicated in conditions like Chronic urticaria, NSAID associated ulceration, Rhinitis, To prevent recurrence of neural tube defect.

Contraindications

Levocetirizine is contraindicated in conditions like Porphyria, Adjunct in treatment of opioid dependance.

Dosage

Levocetirizine's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
2.5 – 5 mg	—	Every 24h	PO	Should be given in the evening
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
2.5 mg	2.5 mg	—
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

None recorded.

Side Effects

Levocetirizine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Agranulocytosis, Thrombocytopenia , Pancytopenia , Paresthesia. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

Levocetirizine is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Angioedema, Antimucarinic effects, Blood dyscrasias, Bronchospasm, Confusion, Convulsions , Depression, Drowsiness, Dyspnea, Hypersensitivity reactions, Incidence of sedation, Liver dysfunction, Nausea, Sleep disturbance.

Warnings / Precautions

Antihistamines (e.g Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride) should be used with caution in prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention, epilepsy, glaucoma, pyloroduodenal obstruction, hepatic disease. Caution may also be required in pregnancy and breast-feeding. Children and the elderly are more susceptible to side-effects.

Interference in Pathology

Levocetirizine may interfere in the diagnosis of Increases Serum Bilirubin .

Available Brands

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Single Ingredient

Syrup

2.5 /5ml 2.5 mg/5ml 5 mg/5ml

Tabs

10 mg 5 mg 5 mg/5ml

Multi-Ingredient Combinations

Syrup

2 mg/5ml

Tabs

5 mg

Drug Classification

1.3 — Anti-allergics (Antihistamines) and drugs used in anaphylaxis