Levocetirizine (By mouth)
lee-voe-se-TIR-a-zeen
Treats symptoms of hay fever and hives.
Drug classes
Respiratory Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Levocetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and hives of the skin. It works by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. It can close up the bronchial tubes (air passages of the lungs) and make breathing difficult. Histamine can also cause some persons to have hives, with severe itching of the skin.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid, Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. This medicine is usually taken in the evening.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
If a dose is missed:
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you use ritonavir (Norvir®) or theophylline (Theo-Dur®).
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to levocetirizine or cetirizine. Do not use this medicine if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis treatment. Do not give this medicine to children 6 months to 11 years of age with kidney disease.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, an enlarged prostate, lesions in your spinal cord, or problems urinating.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Dizziness or drowsiness
Fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches
Lack or loss of strength
Unusual tiredness or weakness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Xyzal
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
