API

Levocetirizine (5mg)

Drug classification

Dosage form

Tablet

API strength per dosage

5 mg

Dose

Adults and children ≥6 years: 5 mg once daily, preferably in the evening. Children 2–5 years: 1.25 mg twice daily. Dose adjustment required in renal impairment; avoid in severe renal dysfunction. Use with caution in elderly and hepatic impairment.

Mechanism of action

Selectively antagonizes peripheral histamine H1 receptors (HRH1), inhibiting histamine-mediated activation of G-protein-coupled signaling pathways, thereby reducing capillary permeability, vasodilation, and sensory nerve stimulation responsible for allergic symptoms such as rhinorrhea, pruritus, and urticaria.

Indications

Treatment of Allergic conditions

Side effects

Sleepiness Fatigue Dryness in mouth Headache Vomiting Nasopharyngitis inflammation of the throat and nasal passages

Pregnancy category

Category B

Precautions

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to levocetirizine, cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any excipients, severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <10 mL/min), end-stage renal disease, hereditary galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, glucose-galactose malabsorption.