Levocetrizine Tablets: What Are They?
Levocetirizine (Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride) is an allergic medicine used to treat numerous types of allergies, allergic rhinitis, sore throat, and idiopathic urticaria all year round, whether they are seasonal or dust or pollen. We use levocetirizine to relieve itchings also caused by hives, i.e., red patches, and swollen and itchy skin. It is also a sedative other than being an antihistamine drug.
It is used as a single salt or a combination of other anti-allergic salts and other medicines to treat several health issues.
It is a class of drugs that is used to treat similar conditions and comes under the category of antihistamines. Histamines are chemicals that are naturally present in the body and are blocked by using these antihistamines. They block the use of antihistamines from being produced in the body which are responsible for runny noses, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and other allergic symptoms.
Levocetirizine Tablets Uses: When To Use?
We use levocetirizine normally to treat various symptoms of allergies, allergies can be of different categories, such as seasonal allergies, skin allergies, or maybe even an insect bite.
Skin allergies may be caused by any medications, or any eating habits or by coming in contact with some allergic surfaces and causing skin rashes, burning sensations, hives, etc.
Allergic symptoms may be seasonal allergies, or too much cold, dust, or pollen, There are N number of allergies, and their symptoms may include a runny nose, watery eyes, itchy skin, and redness of the skin. Allergies can also be caused if a person comes in contact with fur (whether any animal or surface) or even comes in contact with molds such as fungus or lichens, The reasons may be anything, but only the person experiencing all this needs to be aware of the reason.
Allergies can also be caused by insect bites or stings like mosquitoes, bees, and wasps, maybe stinging ants. It may cause severe allergies in some people and can also be life-threatening at times. If a person experiences these, so he/she should immediately consult a doctor.
How Do You Use Levocetirizine Tablets?
They are available in tablet form as well as in syrup form. Levocetirizine tablets are prescribed to adults, whereas syrups are best suited for kids.
The prescribed medicine is generally taken with or without food as prescribed by the physician.
It is generally taken once a day or at bedtime due to its sedative properties.
If the liquid form of this anti-allergy is being used, the doses should be measured carefully using a measuring device or a spoon.
The doses are based on the medical condition, age, weight, and the response of the patient to the treatment. It is advisable not to increase or decrease the dose as prescribed by the doctor.
If the person is self-treating, he/she should follow the instructions provided on the back panel of the medicine or ask the pharmacist for details about the doses and taking procedure of the medicine.
It is best advised not to self-medicate yourself but rather consult a doctor or physician for the allergy caused.
What Precautions One Should Take Before Taking Levocetirizine Tablets?
It totally depends on your doctor whether to prescribe you a Levocetirizine tablet or not and all the pros and cons of using an anti-allergy should be well known to you beforehand.
Before getting prescribed the medicine, the doctor knows whether you are allergic to the composition or other medications. It should be known to the doctor if you have any allergy to any type of foods, dyes, animals, or preservatives.
A person should not take levocetirizine tablets if he/she had a kidney disease or if he is on dialysis. A child under the age of 12 years with a kidney disease shoul also not take the medicine and it must be told clearly to the doctor about the problems. They should be informed if you have or ever had a:
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Gallbladder problem
Urination problems are caused by a spinal cord lesion or an enlarged prostate.
The doctor should know about the other prescription or non-prescription medicines, any supplements you are taking, vitamins, or any other herbal products you are consuming. He should also know if you are taking any medications for anxiety, mental illness, antidepressants, seizure medicines, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping pills.
They should be informed if you are pregnant, breastfeeding the baby, or got pregnant while taking the medicines.
As the medicine contains sedative properties, the doctor should be informed if you feeling drowsy. It is advisable not to drive or operate any machinery until you are under the influence of the medicine.
It is advisable not to take any alcohol while taking levocetirizine, but if you want to drink you should ask the doctor first, as both contain sedatives.
How Levocetirizine Tablets Work?
Levocetirizine, or cetirizine(Zyrtec) is an isomer that blocks the production of histamines in the body. Histamines are responsible for causing allergy-like symptoms in the human body and are produced by most of the cells present in the body. When levocetirizine binds with the histamine receptors it blocks the release of allergy-causing chemicals and increases the blood supply to the affected area, and prevents allergy.
Know The Side Effects of Levocetirizine Tablets:
Each coin has two faces, and so are the medicines we take. Apart from healing they also have side effects that need to be taken care of.
Rarely among the side effects are fever and nose bleeds.
Less common side effects are body aches,ear aches, hoarseness, dryness in throat, voice changes, tenderness or swelling in the neck, redness or swelling in the ear, nightmares, joint pain or swelling, difficulty in movements, muscle cramps or stiffness or pain, increased appetite, maybe loss or change in taste.
More common are sore throat, stuffy nose, muscle aches, sleepiness or unusual drowsiness.
There are also some side effects for which incidences are not yet known and they are:
Anxiety
attack, assault, or force
bloody, cloudy, or dark urine
blurred or loss of vision
burning feeling while urinating
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
chills
clay-colored stools
confusion
cough
decrease in the frequency of urination
decrease in urine volume
deep or fast breathing with dizziness
diarrhea
difficult or labored breathing
difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
difficulty with swallowing or speaking
discouragement
disturbed color perception
dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
double vision
drooling
dry mouth
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
the feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
feeling sad or empty
fixed position of the eye
general tiredness and weakness
halos around lights
headache
hives or welts, itching, skin rash
inability to move the eyes
increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid
irritability
joint or muscle pain
lack of appetite
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
light-colored stools
loss of balance control
loss of interest or pleasure
muscle trembling, twitching, jerking, or stiffness
nausea
nervousness
night blindness
numbness of the feet, hands, and around the mouth
the overbright appearance of lights
painful urination
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
redness of the skin
restlessness
rhythmic movement of the muscles
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
seizures
sensation of spinning
shaking
shuffling walk
sticking out of the tongue
stomach pain
swelling of the face, feet, or lower legs
thoughts of killing oneself
tightness in the chest
tremor
trouble concentrating
trouble with sleeping
tunnel vision
twisting movements of the body
uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, mouth, tongue, neck, and back
uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs
unpleasant breath odor
unusual facial expressions
unusual tiredness or weakness
upper right stomach pain
vomiting with or without blood
weight gain
yellow eyes and skin
There may be some other side effects that are not listed here and may not need any special care for treating them. They may gradually subside as the body gets used to the medicines. But the doctor should be well aware of the side effects so that it is justified why the person is having them and whether they need to be taken care of or not. However, if a person experiences any other side effects not listed here should immediately contact his health care provider about them.
What Is The Difference Between Levocetirizine and Cetirizine?
Levocetirizine | Cetirizine | |
Uses | Used to treat allergic reactions such as urticaria, hives, flu, etc. | Used to treat allergic reactions based on the symptoms. |
Dosage | Available in 5-10mg tablets and is prescribed once a day | Available in 2.5-5 mg and one-two tablet may be taken depending on the severity of the symptoms. |
Side effects | Most common side effect is drowsiness. | Most common is sleepiness and dryness in mouth |
Levocetirizine is a secure and efficient remedy for people experiencing the bothersome symptoms of allergies. You may fully utilise this drug and resume enjoying life without continual sniffles and sneezes by learning how it works, any adverse effects, and how to use it.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to replace expert medical advice; rather, it is meant purely for informational purposes. Before taking any new drug, make sure to speak with your doctor or another trained healthcare provider. Self-medication is not advisable!
FAQ:
Q. What if I miss a dose of levocetirizine tablets?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember but if it is time for your next dose skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose prescribed. Do not over dose yourself.
Q. What are the symptoms of overdose?
Drowsiness, agitation, and restlessness. Please contact your doctor in case of an overdose.
Q. Levocetirizine makes you drowsy and tired?
Yes, it makes you drowsy, tired, weak, and sleepy as it contains sedative properties but contact your doctor if you are not sure.
Q. How long does it take to work?
It may take a little longer to experience complete benefit but it starts working after an hour of taking it.
Q. How long can take levocetirizine?
You can take it for a longer period if it is prescribed by your doctor. The duration is always decided by the doctor.
Q. Can children use levocetirizine?
Yes, they are safe for children but the dose always depends upon the weight and age of the child. It is important to consult a pediatrician before giving it to children.
Q. How can we take levocetirizine?
Always follow the recommended dose as prescribed by your physician or the dose recommended on the back panel of the packing. It is generally taken once a day(OD) with or without the food.
Q. Can I take levocetirizine tablets on an empty stomach?
Levocetirizine tablets can be taken with or without food. However, taking them with food may help reduce the risk of stomach upset for some individuals.
Q. Is it safe to take levocetirizine with other medication?
Levocetirizine tablets may interact with other medicines, so it is best suited to let your doctor know about your other medications, vitamins, or supplements.