Description

Generic name: levocetirizine
Brand name: Cetlyn 10 Tablet
Dosage forms: oral solution (0.5 mg/mL); oral tablet (5 mg, 10mg)

 

What is levocetirizine?

Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms such as a runny nose or hives.

Levocetirizine is used to treat symptoms of year-round (perennial) allergies in children who are at least 6 months old.

Levocetirizine is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives) in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.

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

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use levocetirizine if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine (Zyrtec).

You should not take levocetirizine if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. Any child younger than 12 years old with kidney disease should not take levocetirizine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

kidney disease;
liver disease;
urination problems (caused by conditions such as enlarged prostate or spinal cord lesion); or
gallbladder problems.

Levocetirizine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Levocetirizine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 months old.

How should I take levocetirizine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

A child’s dose of levocetirizine is based on the age of the child. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.

Do not give a child more than the prescribed dose of this medicine. A child’s body absorbs twice as much of the same dose size of levocetirizine as an adult’s body.

Taking more of this medication will not make it more effective, and may cause severe drowsiness.

Levocetirizine is usually taken in the evening, with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What should I avoid while taking levocetirizine?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how levocetirizine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

Levocetirizine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using levocetirizine and call your doctor at once if you have:

worsening allergy or urticaria symptoms;
painful or difficult urination;
little or no urination;
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
fever; or
signs of an ear infection–ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness in a child.

Common side effects may include:

drowsiness, tiredness;
sinus pain;
ear infection;
cough;
fever;
nosebleed;
vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
dry mouth; or
weight gain.