Levocetirizine is a medicine to relieve allergy symptoms, such as allergic runny nose, hives, or itching of the skin. Keep in mind that this medication cannot cure allergies. The best way to prevent an allergic reaction from occurring is to avoid the allergen that triggered it .
Levocetirizine works by blocking the action of histamine substances. Histamine is a natural substance that will cause complaints and symptoms to appear when a person is exposed to an allergy-triggering substance (allergen). By inhibiting the action of histamine, complaints and symptoms will subside.
Levocetirizine trademarks: Avocel, Histrine Levo, L-Palergi, Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride, Xyzal
What is Levocetirizine
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Antihistamine |
| Benefit | Relieves allergy symptoms |
| Consumed by | Adults and children ≥6 months of age |
| Levocetirizine for pregnant and lactating women |
Category B: Animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Levocetirizine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Levocetirizine
Levocetirizine should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Some things that must be considered before taking levocetirizine are:
- Do not take levocetirizine if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to ceterizin or hydroxyzine.
- Tell your doctor if you have had or currently have an enlarged prostate gland , kidney disease, liver disease, gallbladder disease, porphyria , or epilepsy.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
- alcoholic beverages
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking levocetirizine, because this drug can cause drowsiness.
- See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction , serious side effects, or an overdose after taking levocetirizine.
Dosage and Rules for Using Levocetirizine
The dose of levocetirizine varies for each patient. The doctor will adjust the dose according to the patient's age and health condition. In general, the following are the doses of levocetirizine to treat allergic reactions :
- Adult: 2.5–5 mg, once daily
- Children 6 months to 5 years: 1.25 mg once a day
- Children 6–11 years: 2.5 mg, once a day
How to Take Levocetirizine Properly
Take levocetirizine according to doctor 's instructions and instructions on the drug packaging. Do not change the dosage without consulting your doctor first. Levocetirizine can be taken before or after meals at night.
If you forget to take levocetirizine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearing time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose of levocetirizine to make up for a missed dose.
Store levocetirizine at room temperature and place it in a closed container. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and keep out of reach of children.
Levocetirizine Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several interaction effects that can occur if levocetirizine is taken with certain drugs, including:
- Increased risk of side effects of dizziness, drowsiness and difficulty concentrating when used with diazepam , clonazepam , diphenhydramine , pregabalin , or estazolam
- Increased effectiveness of levocetirizine when taken with isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, ritonavir
- Increased levels of levocetirizine in the body when taken with diclofenac
Levocetirizine Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can arise after consuming levocetirizine are:
- Fever
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Nosebleed
Check with your doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Allergy symptoms or hives that are getting worse
- Dizzy as if you want to faint
- The ear feels full or the ear hurts
- Painful, difficult, or infrequent urination