Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that may be used to reduce allergy symptoms such as red, itchy, or watery eyes; a runny nose; sneezing; rashes; or reactions to insect bites or stings.

Levocetirizine works by reducing the effects of a natural chemical in the body called histamine. Histamine can produce symptoms such as a runny nose or hives.

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

Levocetirizine is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic (long-lasting) urticaria (hives) in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.

Levocetirizine was FDA approved in 2007.

Follow all the directions on your levocetirizine label and package. Tell all your healthcare providers that you take levocetirizine.

Take levocetirizine exactly as directed on the label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets about levocetirizine.

A child's dose of levocetirizine is based on the age of the child. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Do not give a child more than the prescribed dose of levocetirizine. A child's body absorbs twice as much of the same dose of levocetirizine as an adult's body.

Taking more levocetirizine than instructed will not make it more effective, and may cause severe drowsiness.

Levocetirizine is usually taken in the evening, with or without food.

Measure liquid levocetirizine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever.

Store levocetirizine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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.

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.
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.

You should not use levocetirizine 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.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• urination problems (caused by conditions such as enlarged prostate or spinal cord lesion); or

• gallbladder problems.

Levocetirizine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intending to become pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while taking levocetirizine.

Levocetirizine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 months old.

If you miss a dose of levocetirizine, take the missed dose as soon as you can. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

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

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how levocetirizine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Drinking alcohol with levocetirizine can cause side effects such as drowsiness.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to levocetirizine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Levocetirizine may cause serious side effects. Stop using levocetirizine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening allergy or urticaria symptoms;

• painful or difficult urination;

• little or no urination;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• fever; or

• signs of an ear infection--ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness in a child.

Common side effects of levocetirizine may include:

• drowsiness, tiredness;

• sinus pain;

• ear infection;

• cough;

• fever;

• nosebleed;

• 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.

Using levocetirizine with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• ritonavir; or

• theophylline.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect levocetirizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.