levocetirizine Health Article

Generic name(s):

levocetirizine

Brand name(s):

Xyzal

What is the most important information I should know about levocetirizine?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine (Zyrtec). Do not take levocetirizine if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. Any child under 12 with kidney disease should not take levocetirizine.

Before taking levocetirizine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney or liver disease, or gallbladder problems.

It is very important not to give a child more than the prescribed dose of this medication. A child's body absorbs twice as much of the same dose size of levocetirizine as an adult's body. Levocetirizine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of levocetirizine. Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by levocetirizine. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever.

What is levocetirizine?

Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Levocetirizine is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose.

Levocetirizine is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives).

Levocetirizine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking levocetirizine?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine (Zyrtec). Do not take levocetirizine if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. Any child under 12 with kidney disease should not take levocetirizine.

Before taking levocetirizine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease; or

• gallbladder problems.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Levocetirizine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old.

How should I take levocetirizine?

Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

It is very important not to give a child more than the prescribed dose of this medication. A child's body absorbs twice as much of the same dose size of levocetirizine as an adult's body.

You may take this medication with or without food. Levocetirizine is usually taken once per day, in the evening.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever. Store levocetirizine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.