INTRODUCTION ABOUT LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET contains Levocetirizine which belongs to the group of medicines called Antihistamines. It is used to manage symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (such as nasal congestion, itchy nose, repeated sneezing and red, watery and/or itchy eyes) and urticaria (allergic skin condition causing reddish raised patches on the skin with severe itching) in both adults and in children (aged 6 years or above).
Take LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET as directed by your physician. It is preferably taken during the evenings or at bedtime with or without meals. Before taking LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have epilepsy or difficulty in passing urine.
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with severe kidney impairment. It should be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women only if it is considered necessary by the physician.
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET may cause excessive drowsiness and tiredness. Therefore, restrict yourself from engaging into activities that requires complete concentration (such as driving or handling heavy tools or machines) as a precaution.
Other most common side effects of taking LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET are dryness of mouth, headache and constipation. Consult your doctor if they trouble you.
USES OF LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET
It is used in adults and in children (aged 6 years or above) to manage symptoms associated with
- Allergic rhinitis (such as nasal congestion, itchy nose, repeated sneezing and red, watery, and itchy eyes)
- Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (severe skin rash with reddish raised patches and itching)
HOW LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET WORKS
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET is an anti-allergic medicine. It reduces allergic reactions by blocking the release of certain chemicals (histamines) in the body that triggers the allergic response. As a result, it provides relief from the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Take LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET as advised by your physician. It can be taken with or without meals.
For Tablet, Capsule: Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.
For Dispersible Tablet: Disperse the medicine in the specified quantity of water as mentioned in the label. Consume the medicine immediately after reconstitution.
For Mouth Dissolving Tablet, Orally Disintegrating Tablet: Place the medicine inside your mouth and allow it to dissolve completely. Do not swallow or chew the medicine.
Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Continue to take this medicine for the stipulated duration prescribed by your doctor to achieve better results.
SIDE EFFECTS OF LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET
COMMON
- dry mouth
- diarrhea, constipation
- headache
- tiredness
- sleepiness/drowsiness
- difficulty in sleeping
UNCOMMON
- exhaustion
- stomach (abdominal) pain
RARE
Stop taking LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects such as:
- signs of allergic reaction (such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat which can lead to difficulty in breathing or swallowing, sudden fall in blood pressure, feeling faint, shock)
- fits (seizures)
- suicidal thoughts or behaviour
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Headache:
Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.
Constipation:
Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if this side effect bothers you.
Diarrhea:
Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Consuming ORS can also be beneficial. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor. If your diarrhea worsens, contact your doctor.
Dry Mouth:
Drink plenty of water and fruit juices. Consume foods which has high water and fiber content. Artificial saliva can also be used in extreme dryness of mouth. If your condition worsens, contact your doctor.
Sleepiness/Drowsiness:
Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling sleepy. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your sleepiness. Consult your doctor if your condition worsens.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET should be used in pregnant women only if it is considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
BREASTFEEDING
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET may pass through breast milk. Therefore, it should be used in breastfeeding women only if it is considered necessary by the physician.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET may cause excessive sleepiness or tiredness. Therefore, do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if your ability is affected by LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET.
ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET as it might make you feel dizzier and drowsier.
KIDNEY
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with kidney failure. It should be used with caution in patients with other kidney problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
LIVER
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
ALLERGY
Do not take LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET if you are allergic to levocetirizine or to any other antihistamines (Ex. cetirizine, hydroxyzine).
OTHERS
Before taking LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- suffer from epilepsy(fits) or are at risk of developing convulsions
- are unable to pass urine (due to spinal cord injury or due to enlarged prostate)
- are scheduled for any allergic testing
Use in pediatrics
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET should be used in children and adolescents (aged 6 years or above) only if prescribed by the physician. It is not recommended for use in children aged below 6 years. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice.
Use in geriatrics
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years or above). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
INTERACTIONS
A. Drug-Drug interactions
Before taking LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:
- theophylline (a medicine used to manage asthma or COPD)
Overdosage
If you or anyone else accidentally took more LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, agitation or restlessness.
SYNOPSIS
| Drug | : | Levocetirizine |
| Pharmacological Category | : | H1- Receptor Blocker |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Allergic Rhinitis, Urticaria |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Capsule, Dispersible Tablet, Oral Solution, Syrup, suspension |
MORE INFORMATION
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children
- Store this medicine at room temperature
FAQs ABOUT LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET
Can LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET reduce allergic symptoms?
Yes. LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET is used to reduce symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (such as nasal congestion, itchy nose, repeated sneezing and red, watery and/or itchy eyes) and urticaria (skin rash with itching).
Is LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET addictive in nature?
No. LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET is not addictive in nature and you can take it as long as it benefits you. If you are doubtful, consult your doctor for advice.
Can LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET be used in children?
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET should be used in children and adolescents (aged 6 years or above) only if prescribed by the physician. It is not recommended for use in children aged below 6 years. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice.
Can LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET cause headaches?
Yes. Headache is one of the most common side effects of taking LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET. In case of you are experiencing a headache after taking LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET, try to rest and relax. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Apply a pain-relieving balm on the forehead if needed. Do not consume too much of alcohol. Consult your doctor if headache persists for a long time.
What are the uses of LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET?
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET is used to manage symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (such as nasal congestion, itchy nose, repeated sneezing, and red, watery, and itchy eyes) and urticaria (skin rash with itching).
Who can use LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET?
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET is suitable for use in both adults and in children (aged 6 years or above).
How LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET works?
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET is an anti-allergic medicine. It reduces allergic reactions by blocking the release of certain chemicals (histamines) in the body that triggers the allergic response. As a result, it provides relief from the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
How long will it take for LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET to show the results?
You may notice improvement in your condition within 1-2 hours following the administration of LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET. However, it may take few days for LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET to reduce the onset of allergic response. As there is only symptomatic management available for allergic reactions, your symptoms may re-appear if you are exposed to allergens once again. To manage this, your doctor may ask you to take this medicine periodically. For more information, consult your doctor for advice.
When should I take LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET?
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET is preferably taken during bedtime after food. However, you may also take LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET in the mornings if advised by your doctor. As LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET may make you feel sleepy, restrict yourself from engaging into activities such as driving, travelling, handling hazardous tools or machines or any activities that requires complete alertness as a safety measure.
Can I stop taking LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET once my symptoms subside?
Do not stop taking LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET without consulting your doctor even if you feel better during the midway of the therapy. Make sure to take LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET for the stipulated duration recommended by your doctor to achieve better results. As there is only symptomatic management available for allergic reactions, your symptoms may re-appear if you are exposed to allergens once again. To manage this, your doctor may ask you to take this medicine periodically. For more information, consult your doctor for advice.
What is the best time to take LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET?
LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET is preferably taken during bedtime after food. However, you may also take LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET in the mornings if advised by your doctor. Make sure to not to engage yourself into activities such as driving, travelling, handling hazardous tools or machines or any activities that requires complete alertness if LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET is taken at mornings.
What to do if I forgot to take a dose of LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET?
If you have missed a dose of LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose of LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET, skip the missed dose and take the next one regularly. Do not take a double dose of LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET to compensate the missed ones.
What precautions should be followed while taking LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET?
Before taking LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems, fits or difficulty in passing urine. You must also inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Continue to take LEVOCETRIZEN 10MG TABLET for the stipulated duration prescribed by your doctor to achieve better results.
REFERENCES
1. KD Tripathi. Histamines and Antihistamines. Autocoids and related drugs. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. seventh edition. 2013. Page – 164,167.
2. Nettis, E., G. F. Calogiuri, E. Di Leo, F. Cardinale, L. Macchia, A. Ferrannini, and A. Vacca. Once daily levocetirizine for the management of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. NIH. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC. PubMed Central. December 2008. [Accessed on 6th October 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3048603/
3. Synthon BV. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in November 2021]. [Accessed on 6th October 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8568.pdf
4. UCB, Inc. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in January 2008] [Accessed on 6th October 2022]. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/022064s009lbl.pdf
5. Taj Pharmaceuticals. Levocetirizine 10 mg. [Accessed on 6th October 2022]. https://issuu.com/tajpharmaceutical/docs/levocetirizine_dihydrochloride_10mg_tablets_taj_ph/1
6. Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride Tablet, Film Coated. Dailymed.com. [Revised in December 2010]. [Accessed on 6th October 2022]. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=2f42fc80-ae39-4301-b140-36e59d71666e
7. Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride. MIMS.com. [Revised in December 2010]. [Accessed on 6th October 2022]. https://www.mims.com/philippines/drug/info/xyzal?type=full
USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Absolute Eosinophil Count
- Peripheral Smear Examination
- Total IgE
AUTHOR DETAILS
