Levocetirizine - Let's learn more about this allergy medicine.

Do you also sneeze often? Or do you have a runny nose? Do you scratch your eyes and nose? Or do you suddenly get an unbearable itch all over your body? These types of allergy symptoms are really annoying. At times like these, your doctor may have prescribed you a medicine called Levocetirizine. So today, let's talk about what this medicine is, how to use it, and what important things you need to know about it.

What exactly is Levocetirizine?

Simply put, Levocetirizine is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines . Now you might be wondering, "What is this antihistamine?"

Imagine, when something allergic (for example, dust, pollen, certain foods) enters our body, our body's immune system produces a chemical called histamine in response. This histamine is responsible for many of the allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, red eyes, and hives.

So what an antihistamine like Levocetirizine does is stop that chemical called histamine from working in our body. It blocks it. Then those annoying allergy symptoms gradually decrease.

Levocetirizine is mainly used for the following conditions:

• Control the symptoms of seasonal allergies that occur as the seasons change.
• For the discomfort caused by perennial allergies.
• Provide relief from conditions such as skin rashes and itching (Urticaria or Hives).

Xyzal is a well-known brand name for this medication.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Although levocetirizine is a safe medication for most people, it is important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Therefore, before starting this medication, be sure to inform your doctor if you have any of the conditions below.

• If you have kidney disease: Levocetirizine is mainly eliminated from the body through the kidneys. Therefore, the dosage may need to be adjusted when giving this medicine to someone with poor kidney function. Therefore, this is a very important point.
• If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Levocetirizine, Cetirizine, or Hydroxyzine: Since these medications are in the same family, if you are allergic to one, you are more likely to be allergic to the other.
• If you are a pregnant mother or expecting a baby: Talk to your doctor about this and use the medicine only on his advice.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: This medicine can pass to your baby through breast milk, so it is important to discuss this with your doctor.
• If you are allergic to other medications, foods, or dyes, please tell us about that as well.

How to use the medicine correctly?

To get the most out of a medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.

• Take this pill with a glass of water.
• Most of the time, this medication is advised to be taken at night. The reason for this is that some people feel sleepy when taking it. Taking it at night is not a problem, and it can also control symptoms such as itching that increases at night.
• This medicine can be taken before or after meals. It won't cause any problems.
• You can break the tablet in half if necessary, but do not chew the tablet.
• Never take more than the dose prescribed by your doctor. Sometimes you may need to continue taking the medicine for several days before your symptoms improve.
• If given to children: There are cases where this medicine can be given to children over the age of 6 on medical advice. However, you should talk to your pediatrician about it and follow his/her instructions exactly.

What to do if you accidentally take too much medicine?

If you think you've taken too much medication, don't take it lightly. You need to take action immediately.

• Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
• Or call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Carrying your medicine box or leaflet will be a great help to those treating you.

What if I forget to take my medicine?

This is a common occurrence for many people. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.

Other things that may interact with Levocetirizine

Other medications you are taking can affect the way Levocetirizine works, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter medications).

What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?

Like any medicine, Levocetirizine can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Most of the time, the side effects are not serious. The table below will help you understand this more clearly.

What do you do for dry mouth?

It is common for some people to experience dry mouth while taking this medication. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on unsweetened candy, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day may help. If this problem persists, talk to your doctor.

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