Levocetirizine is a medication to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as an allergic runny nose, hives, or itchy skin. Keep in mind that this drug cannot cure allergies. CThe best way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid the allergens that trigger it.
Levocetirizine works by blocking the action of histamine substances. Histamine is a natural substance that will cause complaints and symptoms when a person is exposed to substances that trigger allergies (allergens). By inhibiting the action of histamine, complaints and symptoms will subside.
levocetirizine trademark: Avocel, Histrine Levo, L-Allergy, Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride, Xyzal
What is Levocetirizine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antihistamines |
| Benefit | Relieves allergy symptoms |
| Consumed by | Adults and children aged 6 months |
| Levocetirizine for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any 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 |
Warnings Before Taking Levocetirizine
Levocetirizine should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Some things to consider 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 or have had 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 your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking levocetirizine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Levocetirizine
The dose of levocetirizine varies in each patient. The doctor will adjust the dose according to the patient's age and health condition. In general, the following are the dosages of levocetirizine for allergic reactions:
- Mature: 2.5–5 mg, once daily
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years: 1.25 mg, once a day
- Children aged 6–11 years: 2.5 mg, once a day
How to Take Levocetirizine Correctly
Take levocetirizine as directed by your doctor and the instructions on the medicine package. Do not change the dose 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 near the time of your next dose, ignore the missed dose. Do not double the dose of levocetirizine to make up for a missed dose.
Store levocetirizine at room temperature and store in a closed container. Keep the medicine away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
Levocetirizine Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several interactions that can occur if levocetirizine is taken with certain drugs, including:
- Increased risk of side effects 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 occur after taking levocetirizine are:
- Fever
- Drowsiness
- dry mouth
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Nosebleed
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Symptoms of allergies or hives that get worse
- Dizzy like you want to faint
- Ears feel full or ears feel sore
- Pain, difficulty, or infrequent urination