Description

🩺 What It Is & What It’s Used For

• Active Ingredient: Levocetirizine, a third-generation antihistamine (R-enantiomer of cetirizine) that blocks histamine H₁ receptors MyUpchar+13PharmaCompass.com+13MedPlusMart+13.

• Primary Uses:

  • Treating allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes) Wikipedia+5Mayo Clinic+5Drugs.com+5.

  • Managing chronic urticaria (hives, itching) Drugs.com.

  • Approved for use in children from 6 months or 2 years, depending on formulation Drugs.com+13Drugs.com+13PharmEasy+13.

💊 Dosage Guidelines

Syrup (2.5 mg/5 mL)

• Children ≥2 years: Often 2.5 mL once daily.

• Adults/adolescents: 5 mL (2.5 mg) once daily.

• Shake well; follow doctor’s directions MyUpchar+10PharmaCompass.com+10Drugs.com+10Drugs.com1mg+2PharmEasy+2Drugs.com+2.

Tablets (5 mg)

• Adults/adolescents: 5 mg once daily (often in evening).

• Children (6 months–6 years): Usually 1.25–2.5 mg once daily Drugs.comMayo Clinic.

⚠️ Common Side Effects

• Mild and frequent:

  • Drowsiness, fatigue, weakness HERBSHD+6Drugs.com+6St. Luke’s+6Flipkart+14MedlinePlus+14Drugs.com+14.

  • Dry mouth, headache, nosebleed, sore throat, cough MedlinePlus+1St. Luke’s+1.

  • Vomiting, diarrhea or constipation Drugs.com+3Drugs.com+3St. Luke’s+3.

• Less common:

  • Blurred vision, sinus pain, ear infection, weight gain St. Luke’s+1Drugs.com+1.

🚨 Serious Risks & When to Seek Help

• Rare side effects include:

  • Allergic reactions: rash, hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat — seek immediate care Flipkart+6MedlinePlus+6St. Luke’s+6.

  • Urinary retention or difficulty urinating Drugs.comSt. Luke’s.

⚠️ Precautions & Interactions

• Kidney impairment: Dose adjustment or avoid use in severe cases gujaratmedicoagency.com+12Drugs.com+12MedlinePlus+12.

• Liver disease or urinary issues: Use caution MedlinePlus+6Drugs.com+6Drugs.com+6.

• Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Limited data—use only if clearly needed and under doctor supervision PharmEasy+31mg+3St. Luke’s+3.

• Driving/operating machinery: May cause sleepiness—avoid until you know how it affects you Wikipedia+5PharmEasy+5MedlinePlus+5.

• Alcohol and CNS depressants: May increase drowsiness and impaired alertness MedlinePlus+11mg+1.

• Drug interactions:

  • Combo with other sedatives, tranquilizers, opioids, anti-anxiety meds can worsen drowsiness Drugs.comSt. Luke’s.

  • Certain meds like theophylline or ritonavir could interact PharmEasy+1St. Luke’s+1.

✅ Tips for Safe Use