Sometimes, you suddenly get itchy rashes all over your body, right? Or you start sneezing, your eyes get red, and your nose runs watery. Allergic conditions like these are very annoying for us. So, in such cases, a medicine that doctors often prescribe to us, and many people know, is Levocetirizine. Today, let's talk about the things you need to know about this oral solution.
What is Levocetirizine?
Simply put, Levocetirizine is an antihistamine . Now you might be wondering what an antihistamine is. When something you are allergic to (an allergen) enters our body, our body's immune system releases a chemical called histamine . It is this histamine that is responsible for many of the symptoms of an allergy, such as itching, hives, sneezing, red eyes, and runny nose.
So what an antihistamine like Levocetirizine does is stop the chemical called histamine from working. That controls the annoying symptoms of allergies.
This medicine is mainly used for:
- Control symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies.
- Reduce itching and rashes (Hives/Urticaria) on the skin.
- Control skin rashes caused by other allergies.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you are prescribed Levocetirizine, it is important to tell your doctor about these things. This is very important for your safety.
- If you have kidney disease (this is very important, because this medicine is removed from the body through the kidneys).
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to medications such as Levocetirizine, Cetirizine, or Hydroxyzine.
- If you have any allergies to any other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
The correct way to use the medicine
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
Doctors usually recommend taking this medication at night . The reason for this is that it can cause a little drowsiness. Taking it at night is not a problem.
- Measure accurately: Always use the special spoon, cup, or dropper (specially marked measuring device) that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not measure with teaspoons or tablespoons that you have in your kitchen. Since they cannot measure accurately, the dosage may vary.
- Food: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. That's not a problem.
- Dosage: Never take more than your doctor has prescribed. Drinking too much to relieve symptoms quickly can be dangerous.
- If giving to children: If giving this medicine to a young child, consult a pediatrician . Although it is prescribed for children over 6 months of age in some cases, there are precautions that apply.
What are the side effects?
Like any medicine, Levocetirizine can cause some side effects. But don't worry, most people don't experience serious side effects. Let's look at this in a table to make it easier to understand.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Difficulty urinating | Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine you produce. |
| Other | Fever, changes in vision or hearing. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome: | |
| Drowsiness | Drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness. |
| Dry mouth | Feeling of dryness in the mouth and throat. (Drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum may help) |
| Other minor features | Cough, muscle pain. |
What else should you be careful about when taking the medicine?
What if I miss a dose of medication?
There are times when we forget to take our medicine. If that happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine (overdose)?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, don't delay. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Does it interact with other medications?
Yes, Levocetirizine can interact with some things.
- Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol can cause increased drowsiness. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking the medication.
- Other medications that cause drowsiness: Taking this with things like sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and some painkillers can make drowsiness worse.
- Other medications: Medications such as Ritonavir and Theophylline may interact with this.
Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, and traditional medicine you are taking.
Take-Home Message
- Levocetirizine is an antihistamine used to treat allergies, skin rashes, and hives.
- It is usually recommended to take this medication at night as it can cause drowsiness. Do not drive while taking this medication.
- Always use the special measuring device that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use household teaspoons.
- Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Avoid drinking alcohol, especially while taking this medication.
- If you experience a serious side effect such as swelling of the face, lips, or difficulty breathing, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to someone else just because they have the same symptoms as you. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
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