Indications
Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride is indicated in the treatment of symptoms associated with allergic conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Therapeutic Class
Non-sedating antihistamines
Pharmacology
Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride is a preparation of Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride. Levocetirizine is the active (levo) isomer of Cetirizine. It is a new highly effective and well-tolerated non-sedating antihistamine with potent antiallergic properties. It has a two-fold higher affinity for H1-receptors than Cetirizine. Levocetirizine has a rapid and long-lasting action, allowing once-a-day administration.
Dosage & Administration
Adults and children 12 years of age and older: 5 mg once daily in the evening
Children 6 to 11 years of age: 2.5 mg once daily in the evening
Children 6 months to 5 years of age: 1.25 mg (1/2 teaspoon oral solution) once daily in the evening
Renal Impairment: Adjust the dose in patients 12 years of age and older with decreased renal function
Children 6 to 11 years of age: 2.5 mg once daily in the evening
Children 6 months to 5 years of age: 1.25 mg (1/2 teaspoon oral solution) once daily in the evening
Renal Impairment: Adjust the dose in patients 12 years of age and older with decreased renal function
Contraindications
It is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this medication or to any of its ingredients.
Side Effects
The most common adverse reactions (rate ≥2% and > placebo) were somnolence, nasopharyngitis, fatigue, dry mouth, and pharyngitis in subjects 12 years of age and older, and pyrexia, somnolence, cough, and epistaxis in children 6 to 12 years of age. In subjects 1 to 5 years of age, the most common adverse reactions (rate ≥2% and > placebo) were pyrexia, diarrhea, vomiting, and otitis media. In subjects 6 to 11 months of age, the most common adverse reactions (rate ≥3% and > placebo) were diarrhea and constipation.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: The safety of Levocetirizine in pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it should be used with caution during pregnancy and only if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus.
Lactation: Levocetirizine passes into breast milk. So, it should be used with caution in nursing mothers and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the risk to the nursing infant.
Lactation: Levocetirizine passes into breast milk. So, it should be used with caution in nursing mothers and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the risk to the nursing infant.
Precautions & Warnings
Epileptic patients and patients at risk of convulsions. Renal impairment. Pregnancy and lactation.
Use in Special Populations
Paediatric use: Not recommended for use in children less than 6 years of age.
Overdose Effects
Symptoms: Drowsiness, agitation, restlessness, confusion, diarrhoea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, malaise, mydriasis, pruritus, sedation, somnolence, stupor, tachycardia, tremor and urinary retention.
Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Gastric lavage must be considered shortly following ingestion.
Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Gastric lavage must be considered shortly following ingestion.
Storage Conditions
Store between 20-25°C