Levocetirizine

Levocetirizine is a type of medication known as a third-generation antihistamine. Antihistamine medications block the action of histamine, an inflammatory chemical the body releases during an allergic reaction. The release of histamine leads to a number of symptoms including watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy skin. Levocetirizine helps stop these symptoms from happening.

Levocetirizine is derived from another medication called cetirizine, which is more commonly known by its brand name, Zyrtec. However, it is believed that levocetirizine may cause less drowsiness than cetirizine.

How does levocetirizine differ from Xyzal?

Levocetirizine is the generic form of the brand name medication, Xyzal. The two medications are considered equivalent. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that generic drugs demonstrate bioequivalence to the brand name drug, which means they act the same way in the body and are expected to produce the same effects as the original brand name drug.

Levocetirizine works by blocking the H1 receptors on cells, which are receptors that are normally activated by the chemical histamine. When the body is exposed to an allergen, immune cells (called mast cells and basophils) release histamine. Since levocetirizine blocks histamine from activating the H1 receptors, the symptoms that are typically caused by histamine are lessened.

Levocetirizine is an oral medication that should be taken by mouth once daily in the evening. If possible, it should be taken at the same time each day.

What if you miss a dose? If you accidentally miss a dose and remember later at night, take it when you remember. However, if you remember the next day, keep in mind that this medication may cause drowsiness. If it is more than a few hours before when your next dose is supposed to be, you may take the missed dose but should be prepared for the possibility that you may not be able to drive or operate heavy machinery. If you remember within a few hours of when your next dose is supposed to be, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose.

What if you take more than you are prescribed? Taking extra doses of levocetirizine in a 24-hour period may result in drowsiness, agitation, or restlessness. There is no specific treatment for a levocetirizine overdose. If you are experiencing symptoms, contact poison control and a healthcare provider immediately.

While overdose is possible, death is unlikely to occur from taking an extra daily dose by accident. In tests done on mice, the maximum non-lethal dose of levocetirizine was approximately 200 times the daily dose in humans. In tests done on rats, the maximum non-lethal dose of levocetirizine was approximately 390 times the daily dose in humans.

With Ro, you can always be sure you are getting genuine medication. Ro dispenses drugs that are FDA approved and manufactured by pharmaceutical companies that adhere to the FDA’s manufacturing standards for finished drug products. In fact, you will likely find many of the same manufacturers we use in your local pharmacy.

Levocetirizine may cause nasal irritation, dry mouth, and sore throat. Levocetirizine may be mildly sedating. Users should exercise caution when taking levocetirizine and should be aware that mental alertness may be decreased. This can impact the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Additional possible side effects include seizures, angioedema, anaphylactoid reactions, hemolytic anemia, suicidal ideation, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), glomerulonephritis, visual impairment, constipation, elevated hepatic enzymes, dyspnea, dyskinesia, thrombocytopenia, sinus tachycardia, palpitations, hypotension, hepatitis, cholestasis, hallucinations, dystonic reaction, depression, myoclonia, dysuria, urinary retention, blurred vision, diarrhea, drowsiness, nasal congestion, fatigue, fever, cough, xerostomia, infection, pharyngitis, epistaxis, insomnia, pruritus, urticaria, rash, weight gain, agitation, syncope, dizziness, arthralgia, tremor, asthenia, myalgia, vertigo, vomiting, dysgeusia, nausea, and paresthesias.