Levocetirizine Hydrochloride Tablet: Uses, Side, Effects, Dosage, And Precautions

Lovocetirizine hydrochloride is a widely used antihistamine medication that effectively manges allergy symptoms and chronic hives. As a second-generation antihistamine, it is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to older antihistamines, making it a popular choice for treating seasonal and perennial allergies. This comprehensive guide covers the uses, side effects, dosage, precautions

What is Levocetirizine Hydrochloride?

Levocetirizine Hydrochloride, commonly sold under brand name like xyzal or lovocetirizine 5mg, is an antihistamine that blocks the effects of histamine, a natural chemical in the body responsible for allergic reactions. By inhibiting histamine h1receptors, levocetirizine alleviates symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. it is available as a 5mg tablet or oral solution and can be purchased over-the-counter(OTC)

Uses Of Levocetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets

levocetirizine is primarily used to treat the following conditions:

Allergic Rhinitis:
- Relieves symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay fever) caused by pollen, dust, or pet dander.
- manages year-round (perennial) allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and watery eyes.
Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria:
- Reduces itchind and swelling caused by chronic hives (red, raised patches on the skin) of unknown origin.
Other allergic Conditions:
- Treats skin allergies like eczema, reactions to insect bites, and mild food allergies.
- may be used in combination with other drugs(e.g., montelukast, peracetamon) to manage symptoms of cold, fever, or asthma.

Lovocetirizine starts working within an hour of administration, with effects lasting up to 26-27 hours, making it effective for once-daily dosing.

Dosage Of Levocetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets

The dosage of levocetirizine varies based on age, condition, and medical history. Always follow a doctor’s prescription or the instruction on the OTC product label.

Adults And Children Over 12 Years:
- Typical dose: one 5mg tablet once daily in the evening.
- In some cases, 2.5mg dose (half tablet) may be sufficient.
Children 6-11 Year:
- Typical dose: 2.5mg (half tablet or 5ml oral solution) once daily in the evening.
Children 6 Months to 5 Year:
- Oral solution (1.25mg or 2.5ml) is recommended, with dosage adjusted by a doctor.
Eldely patients:
- Lower doses may be advised due to age-related kidney or liver issuse.
Important Notes:
- Take with or without food, preferably in the evening to minimize daytime drowsiness.
- Use a proper measuring device for the oral solution; avoid household spoons.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose, as it may increase side effects without improving effecacy.

Side Effects Of Levocetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets

While levocetirizine is generally well-tolerated, same individuals may experience side effects. These can very in severity and frequency depending on age and health conditions.

Common Side Effects

These side effects are usually mild and may resolve on their own:

Drowsiness or fatigue (less common than with fristo-generation antihistamines)
Dry moyth
Headache
Sore throat or nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
Diarrhea or constipation (more common in children)
cough or vomiting
Fever (more common in children aged 1-5 year)

Serious Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

sever alllergic reactions: Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
Urinary retention: Difficulty urinating, reduced urine frequency, or painful urination.
seizures, hallucination, or depression: Rare but serious neurological effects.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) or fainting.
Severe itching after discontinuation: Reported in long-term users of levocetirizine or cetirizine (FDA warning issued May 16 2025).

Managing Side Effects

Drowsiness: Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Take the dose at night if drowsiness occurs.
Dry mouth: Chew sugarless gum, suck on hard candy, or drink of water.
Persistent side effects: Consult a doctor if side effects are bothersome or do not resolve.
Allergic rections: Stop taking levocetirizine and seek emergency help immediately.

Precautions and Interactions

Who Should Avoid Levocetirizine

Levocetirizine is not suitable for everyone. Avoid it if you have:

Allergy to levocetirizine, cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any ingredients in the medication.
Severe kidney failure (creatinine clearance<10ml/min) or end-stage renal disease.
urinary retention issues (e.g., due to an enlarged prostate).
Fructose intolerance (for liquid formulations containing sugar).

Special Considerations

Pregnancy: Levocetirizine is classified as FDA pregnancy Category B, indicating no evidence of harm in animal studies, but human date is limited. Avoid unless necessary and consult a doctor.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts may pass into breast milk, potentially causing drowsiness in infants or reducing milk supply. consult a doctor before use.
children: Not approved for infants under 6 months. Use oral solution for children under 6 years.
Elderly: Use with caution due to increased risk of side effects like drowsiness or urinary retention.
Kidney or liver issues: Inform your doctor, as dose adjustments may be needed.
Alcohol and CNS depressants: Avoid alcohol, marijuana, or other sedatives, as they may worsen drowsiness or dizziness.

Drug Interactions

Levocetirizine has minimal drug interactions, but some medications may increase side effects or reduce efficacy.

Inform your doctor if you are taking:

Alprazolam, baclofen, gabapentin, or other CNS depressants.
Theophylline (may reduce levocetirizine clearance).
Ritonavir (may increase levocetirizine levels in the blood).

How to Take Levocetirizine Safely

Follow dosing instructions: Do not exceed the recommended dose, as it may lead to severe drowsiness or other side effects.
Missed dose: Take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to the next dose. Do not double the dose.
Overdose: Symptoms may include severe drowsiness, agitation, or restlessness. Seek emergency help or contact a poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.).
Disposal: Store at room temperature (59–86°F or 15–30°C), away from moisture and out of reach of children.
Disposal: Use a medicine take-back program or follow FDA guidelines for safe disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is levocetirizine a steroid? No, levocetirizine is an antihistamine, not a steroid. It works by blocking histamine to relieve allergy symptoms.
Can I take levocetirizine with alcohol? Avoid alcohol, as it may increase drowsiness and other side effects.
Does levocetirizine cause weight gain? Some studies and user reports suggest potential weight gain, possibly due to increased appetite, but this is rare.
How long does levocetirizine take to work? It starts working within an hour, with full effects visible in about six hours.
Can I take levocetirizine for a cold? Yes, it can help relieve cold-related symptoms like sneezing or runny nose, especially if caused by allergies.
Is levocetirizine safe for long-term use? It is generally safe when used as prescribed, but long-term use may lead to rare side effects like severe itching upon discontinuation. Consult a doctor for prolonged use.

Conclusion

Levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets are a highly effective, non-drowsy antihistamine for managing allergies and chronic hives. While generally safe, users should be aware of potential side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, or rare serious reactions like urinary retention. Always follow dosing instructions, avoid alcohol, and consult a doctor for personalized advice, especially if you have kidney issues, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.