Levocetirizine

Levocetirizine

What is Levocetirizine?

Levocetirizine works by reducing the effects of a natural chemical in the body called histamine. Histamine can cause symptoms such as a runny nose or hives.

Levocetirizine is used to treat the symptoms of perennial (also perennial) allergies in adults and children at least 6 months of age.

Levocetirizine is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic (long-lasting) urticaria (hives) in adults and children at least 6 months of age.

Levocetirizine was approved by the FDA in 2007.

Warnings

Follow all instructions on the levocetirizine label and packaging. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking levocetirizine.

Before you take 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 are on dialysis. Children under 12 years of age with kidney disease should not take levocetirizine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• problems urinating (caused by conditions such as an enlarged prostate or a spinal cord lesion); or

• Gallbladder problems.

Levocetirizine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while taking levocetirizine.

Levocetirizine is not approved for use in people younger than 6 months.

How should I take levocetirizine?

Take levocetirizine exactly as directed on the label and read any medication guides or instructions for use related to levocetirizine.

A child's levocetirizine dose depends on the child's age. Follow your doctor's dosage 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 directed will not increase its effectiveness and may cause severe drowsiness.

Levocetirizine is usually taken in the evening with or without food.

Carefully measure liquid levocetirizine. Use the dosing syringe provided or a medication dosing device (not a kitchen spoon).

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, worsen, 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 possible. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking levocetirizine?

Avoid driving and dangerous activities until you know how levocetirizine affects you. Your reactions may be affected.

Drinking alcohol with levocetirizine can cause side effects such as drowsiness.

Levocetirizine side effects

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction to levocetirizine:hives; difficulty breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Levocetirizine can cause serious side effects. Stop using levocetirizine and call your doctor immediately if you have:

• worsening allergy or urticaria symptoms;

• painful or difficult urination;

• little or no urination;

• a light-headed feeling, as if you were going to faint;

• Fever; or

• Signs of an ear infection – ear pain or fullness, difficulty hearing, discharge from the ear, restlessness in a child.

Common side effects of levocetirizine may include:

• drowsiness, tiredness;

• sinus pain;

• ear infection;

• Cough;

• Fever;

• nosebleeds;

• 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 can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Levocetirizine dosage information

Usual adult dose for urticaria:

5 mg orally once daily in the evening

Comments: Some patients may be adequately controlled with an oral dose of 2.5 mg once daily in the evening.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Seasonal allergic rhinitis (OTC): 5 mg orally once daily in the evening; For some patients, taking 2.5 mg once daily can be adequately controlled

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Permanent allergic rhinitis:
6 months to 2 years: 1.25 mg orally once daily in the evening

Comments: The recommended dose in pediatric patients aged 6 months to 2 years should not be exceeded.
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (OTC):
6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once daily in the evening
12 years or older: 5 mg orally once daily in the evening; For some patients, taking 2.5 mg once daily can be adequately controlled

Comments: Avoid use in patients younger than 6 years.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:

6 months to 5 years: 1.25 mg orally once daily in the evening
6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once daily in the evening
12 years or older: 5 mg orally once daily in the evening; For some patients, taking 2.5 mg once daily can be adequately controlled

Comments: Recommended doses in pediatric patients 6 months to 12 years of age should not be exceeded.

What other drugs will affect levocetirizine?

Using levocetirizine with other medicines that make you sleepy may worsen this effect. Consult your doctor before taking opioid medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, or anti-anxiety or seizure medications.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially:

• ritonavir; or

• Theophylline.

This list is not complete. Other medications can affect levocetirizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.