Levocetirizine

How is Levocetirizine dosed?

The dosage of Levocetirizine depends on the age of the patient:

• Adults and children 12 years and older: 5 or 10 mL once a day in the evening, not exceeding 10 mL in 24 hours.
• Children 6 to 11 years: 5 mL once a day in the evening, with a maximum of 5 mL in 24 hours.
• Children 2 to 5 years: 2.5 mL once a day in the evening, with a maximum of 2.5 mL in 24 hours.
• Children younger than 2 years: Dose and usage must be determined by a doctor.

For the oral solution:

• Adults and children older than 2 years: 5 mg or 10 mL (1 teaspoon) once a day in the evening.
• Children 6 months to 2 years: Starting dose of 1.25 mg or 2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) once a day in the evening, with adjustments made by the doctor.
• Children younger than 6 months: Dose and usage must be determined by a doctor.

For tablets:

• Children younger than 6 years: Dose determined by a doctor.
• Adults and children 12 years and older: 5 mg (1 tablet) once a day in the evening, with some patients receiving 2.5 mg (1/2 tablet) once a day.
• Children 6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg (1/2 tablet) once a day in the evening, with a maximum of 2.5 mg per day.

Please consult with a healthcare professional for specific dosing instructions and recommendations based on individual health conditions and needs.

What is the dosage form of Levocetirizine?

Levocetirizine is available in several dosage forms for oral administration:

1. Solution: Levocetirizine dihydrochloride solution in 5 mL and 10 mL bottles for oral use.
2. Tablets: Levocetirizine tablets in 5 mg strength.

Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dosing instructions and any other questions you may have.

What medications are contraindication with Levocetirizine?

Levocetirizine oral route should not be used with medications that affect the central nervous system (CNS) as they may worsen the side effects of levocetirizine. Examples of CNS-affecting medications include antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping medicines, medicine for depression or anxiety, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, medicine for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, medicine for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics. Always consult your doctor before using levocetirizine with any other medications.

How is Levocetirizine administered?

Levocetirizine oral route is administered through tablets or solution. The dosage depends on the age of the patient. For adults and children 12 years and older, the recommended dose is 5 or 10 mL once a day in the evening, with a maximum of 10 mL in 24 hours. For children 6 to 11 years, the recommended dose is 5 mL once a day in the evening, with a maximum of 5 mL in 24 hours. For children 2 to 5 years, the recommended dose is 2.5 mL once a day in the evening, with a maximum of 2.5 mL in 24 hours. For children younger than 2 years, the dose must be determined by a doctor.

For the oral solution, the recommended dose for adults and children older than 2 years of age is 5 mg or 10 mL (1 teaspoon) once a day taken in the evening. For children 6 months to 2 years of age, the initial dose is 1.25 mg or 2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) once a day taken in the evening, with the possibility of adjustment by a doctor. For children younger than 6 months of age, the dose must be determined by a doctor.

For the tablet form, the recommended dose for adults and children 12 years of age and older is 5 mg (1 tablet) once a day taken in the evening, with a maximum of 5 mg per day. For children 6 to 11 years of age, the recommended dose is 2.5 mg (1/2 tablet) once a day taken in the evening, with a maximum of 2.5 mg per day. For children younger than 6 years of age, the dose must be determined by a doctor.

It is important to follow the doctor's instructions and not exceed the recommended dosage.

What are common precautions when taking Levocetirizine?

Common precautions when taking levocetirizine oral route include:

1. Consulting a doctor: Levocetirizine use is not recommended in children 6 months to 11 years of age with kidney disease, and dosage for children younger than 2 years of age, children 6 months to 2 years of age, and children younger than 6 years of age must be determined by a doctor.
2. Avoiding alcohol: Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking levocetirizine. It is advised to avoid alcohol or consult a doctor for guidance.
3. Not driving or operating machinery: Levocetirizine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision, which can impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. It is recommended to avoid these activities until the effects are not longer present.
4. Informing the doctor of other medications: Patients should inform their doctor about all medications they are taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as levocetirizine may interact with some medications, leading to potentially harmful effects.
5. Monitoring for side effects: Patients should be aware of potential side effects and report any unusual symptoms to their doctor, such as dry mouth, dryness of the throat, earache, hoarseness, redness or swelling in the ear, tender, swollen glands in the neck, voice changes, change in or loss of taste, difficulty in moving, increased appetite, joint pain or swelling, muscle pain, cramp, or stiffness, nightmares, and others.

Remember, it's essential to follow the doctor's instructions and the provided dosage information carefully. If you have any concerns or experience any side effects, consult your healthcare professional.