| Recommended Dose and Dosage Regimen | The recommended dose of levocetirizine for adults and children 12 years and older is usually 5 mg once daily, with or without food. For children aged 6 to 11 years, the recommended dose is 2.5 mg once daily. Dosage adjustments may be necessary in patients with renal impairment. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions or the product label regarding dosing. |
| Frequency of Administration | Levocetirizine is typically administered once daily. |
| Route of Administration | Levocetirizine is administered orally in the form of tablets or oral solution. |
| Mechanism of Action (MOA) | Levocetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine that selectively antagonizes histamine H1 receptors. By blocking the effects of histamine, levocetirizine inhibits allergic response, including symptoms such as itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and hives. |
| Pharmacokinetics (PK) | Levocetirizine is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 1-2 hours. It undergoes minimal metabolism in the liver and is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. The elimination half-life of levocetirizine is approximately 7-10 hours in adults. Dose adjustments are necessary in patients with renal impairment. |
| Pharmacodynamics (PD) | Levocetirizine exerts its pharmacodynamic effects by competitively antagonizing histamine at H1 receptors, thereby preventing histamine-induced allergic symptoms. It has a long duration of action and minimal sedative effects compared to first-generation antihistamines. |
| Pathophysiology | Levocetirizine is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) in adults and children. It helps relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and hives associated with allergic reactions. |
| Primary Indications | Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives). |
| Contraindications | Contraindications to levocetirizine use include hypersensitivity to levocetirizine or cetirizine (its racemic mixture), severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 10 mL/min), and end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. Use caution in patients with moderate renal impairment. |
| Purpose of Taking Medication | The purpose of levocetirizine therapy is to alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria by blocking the effects of histamine, thereby reducing nasal congestion, itching, sneezing, and hives associated with allergic reactions. |
| Usage Instructions | Take levocetirizine orally as directed by your healthcare provider or as indicated on the product label. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Levocetirizine can be taken with or without food. |
| Precautions and Care | Patients taking levocetirizine should be advised to avoid activities requiring mental alertness or coordination until they know how the medication affects them, as it may cause drowsiness or fatigue in some individuals. Use caution when driving or operating machinery. |
| Dietary Considerations | There are no specific dietary considerations associated with levocetirizine use. Maintain a balanced diet and adequate hydration to support overall health and immune function. |
| Missed Dose | If a dose of levocetirizine is missed, take it as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. |
| Possible Side Effects | Common side effects of levocetirizine may include headache, drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Rare but serious side effects may include allergic reactions, liver injury, and abnormal heart rhythms. |
| Storage and Disposal | Store levocetirizine tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets. Unused or expired medication should be disposed of properly according to local regulations. |
| Overdose or Emergency | In case of overdose or emergency, seek medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Symptoms of levocetirizine overdose may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures. |
| Monitoring and Laboratory Tests | Routine laboratory tests are typically not required during levocetirizine therapy. However, patients with renal impairment may require periodic monitoring of renal function and electrolyte levels. |
