levocetirizine

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Pronunciation: LEE voe se TIR a zeen

Brand: Xyzal

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

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.

What is levocetirizine?

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

Levocetirizine is used to treat symptoms of year-round (perennial) allergies in adults and children who are at least 6 months old. It is also used to treat symptoms of seasonal allergies in adults and children who are at least 2 years 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.

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

You should not use this medicine 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.

To make sure levocetirizine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

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

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Levocetirizine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. 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 the directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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.

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

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

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. 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 at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking levocetirizine?

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of levocetirizine.

What are the possible side effects of levocetirizine?

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:

  • painful or difficult urination;
  • little or no urinating;
  • pain or fullness in your ear, hearing problems;
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • fever; or
  • worsening allergy or urticaria symptoms.

Common side effects may include:

  • drowsiness, weakness;
  • feeling tired;
  • fever;
  • stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat, cough;
  • vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
  • dry mouth; or
  • weight gain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect levocetirizine?

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking levocetirizine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

  • ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra); or
  • theophylline (Aquaphyllin, Asmalix, Elixophyllin, Theolair, Theosol).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with levocetirizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about levocetirizine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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