Drug Detail:Levocetirizine (Levocetirizine [ lee-voe-se-tir-a-zeen ])
Drug Class: Antihistamines
Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria
5 mg orally once a day in the evening
Comments: Some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg orally once a day in the evening.
Use: For the treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (OTC): 5 mg orally once a day in the evening; some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg once a day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis:
6 months to 2 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day in the evening
Comments: The recommended dose in pediatric patients 6 months to 2 years should not be exceeded.
Use: For the relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (OTC):
6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day in the evening
12 years or older: 5 mg orally once a day in the evening; some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg once a day
Comments: Avoid use in patients less than 6 years.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria
6 months to 5 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day in the evening
6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day in the evening
12 years or older: 5 mg orally once a day in the evening; some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg once a day
Comments: The recommended doses in pediatric patients 6 months to 12 years should not be exceeded.
Use: For the treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria
Renal Dose Adjustments
Pediatric patients 6 months to 11 years with impaired renal function: Contraindicated
Adults and children 12 years or older:
- Mild renal dysfunction (CrCl 50 to 80 mL/min): 2.5 mg orally once a day
- Moderate renal dysfunction (CrCl 30 to 50 mL/min): 2.5 mg orally once every other day
- Severe renal dysfunction (CrCl 10 to 30 mL/min): 2.5 mg orally twice a week (administered once every 3 to 4 days)
- End-stage renal disease (CrCl less than 10 mL/min): Contraindicated
Liver Dose Adjustments
No adjustment recommended.
Precautions
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 6 months.
OTC: Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 6 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Hemodialysis: Contraindicated
Peritoneal dialysis: Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- May be taken with or without food.
- The tablets are scored and may be broken if appropriate.
General:
- A dose of 5 mg (10 mL) oral solution is bioequivalent to a 5 mg oral tablet.
Patient advice:
- Avoid engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental alertness, including operating heavy machinery or driving a motor vehicle following administration.
- Avoid exceeding the recommended daily dose as ingestion of higher than the recommended dose increases the risk for somnolence.
- Avoid concomitant use with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Xyzal available over-the-counter?