Levocetirizine

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Definition
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Left-turning active R-enantiomer of cetirizine. Selective 2nd generation H1 antihistamine.

Pharmacodynamics (Effect)
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Competitive H1 receptor antagonist. Levocetirizine binds to the H1-receptor, displaces the body's own histamine ligands and therefore causes a reduction in the intensity of allergic reactions. Due to its dissolution behavior, levocetirizine, in contrast to the H1 antihistamines of the 1st generation, no longer reaches the central nervous system or only in extremely small quantities.

Indication
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Treatment of disease symptoms in general symptoms of allergic diseases, allergic rhinitis, urticaria.

Pregnancy/nursing period
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Insufficient data on use during pregnancy and lactation. Should not be prescribed during pregnancy and lactation.

Dosage and method of use
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  • Tablets: Children > 6 years of age and adolescents from 12 years of age and adults: 5 mg p.o. once/day, in case of severe itching higher doses may be necessary.
  • Drops: adults/children > 12 years. 5 mg/day (20 trp.) p.o.

Notice! Dose adjustment for patients with reduced kidney function!

Undesirable effects
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Occasionally headaches, migraines, fatigue, tiredness, dry mouth, stomach aches, rhinitis and pharyngitis.

Interactions
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Alcohol consumption can be expected to have a stronger dampening or fatiguing effect.

Contraindication
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Severe renal failure. Hypersensitivity to piperazine derivatives, malabsorption of glucose or galactose and lactose intolerance.

Preparations
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Xusal, Xusal acute

Note(s)
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Persons involved in road traffic must be informed that their ability to react may be reduced.

Literature
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  1. Bree F et al (2002) Blood distribution of levocetirizine, a new non-sedating histamine H1-receptor antagonist, in humans. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 16: 471-478
  2. Lee DK et al (2003) Comparative in vivo bioactivity of modern H1-antihistamines on AMP challenge in atopic asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 111: 337-341
  3. Tedeschi A et al (2003) Chronic urticaria: a role for newer immunomodulatory drugs? Am J Clin Dermatol 4: 297-305
  4. Verster JC et al (2003) Acute and subchronic effects of levocetirizine and diphenhydramine on memory functioning, psychomotor performance, and mood. J Allergy Clin Immunol 111: 623-627

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020