This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Levocetirizine DIHYDROCHLORIDE – Uses, Side Effects, and More
Levocetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, and sneezing. It is also used to relieve itching and hives. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.Levocetirizine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis). If your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry your epinephrine injector with you. Do not use levocetirizine in place of your epinephrine.
How to use Levocetirizine DIHYDROCHLORIDE
If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read and follow all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed.
This medication is taken by mouth with or without food, usually once daily in the evening.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed.
If your condition does not get better or if it gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
Side Effects
Drowsiness, tiredness, and dry mouth may occur. Fever or cough may also occur, especially in children. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: difficulty urinating, weakness.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking levocetirizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to cetirizine; or to hydroxyzine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate), kidney disease.
This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Liquid products may contain sugar and/or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this medication safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or other antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine, promethazine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Do not use with any other antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray) because increased side effects may occur.
Levocetirizine is very similar to hydroxyzine and cetirizine. Do not use these medications while using levocetirizine.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Levocetirizine
Levocetirizine is used to relieve runny nose; sneezing; and redness, itching, and tearing of the eyes caused by hay fever, seasonal allergies, and allergies to other substances such as dust mites, animal dander, and mold. It is also used to treat symptoms of hives, including itching and rash. Levocetirizine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
How should this medicine be used?
Levocetirizine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day in the evening with or without food. Take levocetirizine at the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take levocetirizine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking levocetirizine,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to levocetirizine, cetirizine (Zyrtec), or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antidepressants; medications for anxiety, mental illness, or seizures; ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theochron, Theolair); and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or ever have had kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking levocetirizine, call your doctor. Do not breast-feed while you are taking levocetirizine.
- you should know that levocetirizine may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking levocetirizine. Alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Levocetirizine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- sleepiness
- tiredness
- weakness
- sore throat
- dry mouth
- fever
- cough
- nosebleed
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- hives
- rash
- itching
- swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Levocetirizine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- drowsiness
- agitation
- restlessness
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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Last Revised – 08/15/2016
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Levocetirizine
Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm. Last updated on Jul 6, 2022.
What is levocetirizine?
Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that may be used to reduce allergy symptoms such as red, itchy, or watery eyes; a runny nose; sneezing; rashes; or reactions to insect bites or stings.
Levocetirizine works by reducing the effects of a natural chemical in the body called histamine. Histamine can produce symptoms such as a runny nose or hives.
Levocetirizine is used to treat symptoms of year-round (also called perennial) allergies in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.
Levocetirizine is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic (long-lasting) urticaria (hives) in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.
Levocetirizine was FDA approved in 2007.
Warnings
Follow all the directions on your levocetirizine label and package. Tell all your healthcare providers that you take levocetirizine.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use levocetirizine if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine (Zyrtec).
You should not take levocetirizine if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. Any child younger than 12 years old with kidney disease should not take levocetirizine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
- urination problems (caused by conditions such as enlarged prostate or spinal cord lesion); or
- gallbladder problems.
Levocetirizine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intending to become pregnant.
You should not breast-feed while taking levocetirizine.
Levocetirizine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 months old.
How should I take levocetirizine?
Take levocetirizine exactly as directed on the label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets about levocetirizine.
A child’s dose of levocetirizine is based on the age of the child. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
Do not give a child more than the prescribed dose of levocetirizine. A child’s body absorbs twice as much of the same dose of levocetirizine as an adult’s body.
Taking more levocetirizine than instructed will not make it more effective, and may cause severe drowsiness.
Levocetirizine is usually taken in the evening, with or without food.
Measure liquid levocetirizine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever.
Store levocetirizine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of levocetirizine, take the missed dose as soon as you can. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking levocetirizine?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how levocetirizine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Drinking alcohol with levocetirizine can cause side effects such as drowsiness.
Levocetirizine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to levocetirizine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Levocetirizine may cause serious side effects. Stop using levocetirizine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- worsening allergy or urticaria symptoms;
- painful or difficult urination;
- little or no urination;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- fever; or
- signs of an ear infection–ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness in a child.
Common side effects of levocetirizine may include:
- drowsiness, tiredness;
- sinus pain;
- ear infection;
- cough;
- fever;
- nosebleed;
- vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
- dry mouth; or
- weight gain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Levocetirizine dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:
5 mg orally once a day in the evening
Comments: Some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg orally once a day in the evening.
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (OTC): 5 mg orally once a day in the evening; some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg once a day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis:
6 months to 2 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day in the evening
Comments: The recommended dose in pediatric patients 6 months to 2 years should not be exceeded.
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (OTC):
6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day in the evening
12 years or older: 5 mg orally once a day in the evening; some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg once a day
Comments: Avoid use in patients less than 6 years.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:
6 months to 5 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day in the evening
6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day in the evening
12 years or older: 5 mg orally once a day in the evening; some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg once a day
Comments: The recommended doses in pediatric patients 6 months to 12 years should not be exceeded.
What other drugs will affect levocetirizine?
Using levocetirizine with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect levocetirizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Popular FAQ
Yes, Xyzal Allergy 24HR is available without a prescription as an over-the-counter (OTC) product for treatment of symptoms due to seasonal and year-round allergies. Xyzal contains levocetirizine, an antihistamine previously only available with a prescription. Xyzal can be used at bedtime to relieve symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, and sneezing throughout the next day. It can cause drowsiness. Continue reading
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Use these dosage charts for infants and children under 12 years old:
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