Description
🩺 What It Is & What It’s Used For
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Active Ingredient: Levocetirizine, a third-generation antihistamine (R-enantiomer of cetirizine) that blocks histamine H₁ receptors MyUpchar+13PharmaCompass.com+13MedPlusMart+13.
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Primary Uses:
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Treating allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes) Wikipedia+5Mayo Clinic+5Drugs.com+5.
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Managing chronic urticaria (hives, itching) Drugs.com.
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Approved for use in children from 6 months or 2 years, depending on formulation Drugs.com+13Drugs.com+13PharmEasy+13.
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💊 Dosage Guidelines
Syrup (2.5 mg/5 mL)
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Children ≥2 years: Often 2.5 mL once daily.
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Adults/adolescents: 5 mL (2.5 mg) once daily.
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Shake well; follow doctor’s directions MyUpchar+10PharmaCompass.com+10Drugs.com+10Drugs.com1mg+2PharmEasy+2Drugs.com+2.
Tablets (5 mg)
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Adults/adolescents: 5 mg once daily (often in evening).
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Children (6 months–6 years): Usually 1.25–2.5 mg once daily Drugs.comMayo Clinic.
⚠️ Common Side Effects
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Mild and frequent:
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Drowsiness, fatigue, weakness HERBSHD+6Drugs.com+6St. Luke’s+6Flipkart+14MedlinePlus+14Drugs.com+14.
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Dry mouth, headache, nosebleed, sore throat, cough MedlinePlus+1St. Luke’s+1.
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Vomiting, diarrhea or constipation Drugs.com+3Drugs.com+3St. Luke’s+3.
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Less common:
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Blurred vision, sinus pain, ear infection, weight gain St. Luke’s+1Drugs.com+1.
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🚨 Serious Risks & When to Seek Help
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Rare side effects include:
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Allergic reactions: rash, hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat — seek immediate care Flipkart+6MedlinePlus+6St. Luke’s+6.
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Urinary retention or difficulty urinating Drugs.comSt. Luke’s.
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⚠️ Precautions & Interactions
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Kidney impairment: Dose adjustment or avoid use in severe cases gujaratmedicoagency.com+12Drugs.com+12MedlinePlus+12.
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Liver disease or urinary issues: Use caution MedlinePlus+6Drugs.com+6Drugs.com+6.
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Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Limited data—use only if clearly needed and under doctor supervision PharmEasy+31mg+3St. Luke’s+3.
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Driving/operating machinery: May cause sleepiness—avoid until you know how it affects you Wikipedia+5PharmEasy+5MedlinePlus+5.
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Alcohol and CNS depressants: May increase drowsiness and impaired alertness MedlinePlus+11mg+1.
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Drug interactions:
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Combo with other sedatives, tranquilizers, opioids, anti-anxiety meds can worsen drowsiness Drugs.comSt. Luke’s.
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Certain meds like theophylline or ritonavir could interact PharmEasy+1St. Luke’s+1.
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✅ Tips for Safe Use
Tip | Why It Matters |
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Take once daily as prescribed | Prevents overdose and maintain steady effect |
Measure syrup correctly | Avoid under- or overdosing |
Avoid driving if drowsy | Levocetirizine may impair alertness |
Monitor urinary and allergic symptoms | Early detection of side effects |
Avoid alcohol & CNS depressants | Reduces risk of excessive sedation |
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