Levocetirizine: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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The active ingredient levocetirizine is one of the most commonly used antihistamines in the symptomatic treatment of allergies. So what disease does levocetirizine treat and what are the precautions when using it?

1. What disease does Levocetirizine treat?

The active ingredient Levocetirizine belongs to the group of antihistamines, which helps treat unpleasant symptoms of allergic conditions such as watery eyes, runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy nose and sneezing. In addition, levocetirizine is also effective in treating itching and rashes. The general mechanism of action of antihistamines (including levocetirizine) is to inhibit the effect of histamine that is secreted by the body in response to external agents (allergic conditions).
Levocetirizine is not used to prevent rashes or treat serious allergic conditions (such as anaphylaxis). For patients who have a history of severe allergies and have been prescribed epinephrine by their doctor for as-needed treatment, remember to carry epinephrine with you at all times and do not use the active ingredient levocetirizine as a substitute.

2. How to use levocetirizine?

To ensure safety and avoid side effects, patients need to be aware of the following when using levocetirizine:
Patients using levocetirizine without a doctor's prescription should carefully read and follow all instructions instructions on the product packaging before use. If any questions are unclear, consult your pharmacist before starting treatment with this medicine; Patients prescribed levocetirizine by their doctor should take it as directed; Levocetirizine is taken by mouth with or without food, usually once daily in the evening; Liquid levocetirizine should be carefully dosed with a special measuring device or spoon before each dose. Do not use household appliances as incorrect dosage may be obtained.

The dose of the active ingredient levocetirizine depends on age, allergic status, and response to the drug. Do not increase your dose or use the medicine more often than directed by your doctor or the directions on the product packaging. In particular, if the patient's allergies do not improve, tend to get worse or when the body has a serious medical problem, immediately call the nearest medical facility for help.

3. Levocetirizine side effects

Common side effects of levocetirizine use include drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth. In addition, users may experience fever or cough, especially in children. If any side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor or prescribing pharmacist right away.
Patients are prescribed levocetirizine to treat allergies by their doctor after they have assessed that the benefits outweigh the risks and harms of the side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of the following serious (but rare) side effects, including: difficulty urinating, weakness, fatigue.
The active ingredient levocetirizine helps to treat allergies, but when used, it still has the ability to cause serious allergic reactions even at a very low rate. Get emergency medical help right away if you have an allergic reaction such as: rash, body itching and swelling (especially face, tongue, lips, throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Patients may experience other problems while taking levocetirizine that is not covered in this article. Then contact your doctor for treatment instructions.

4. Prevention of levocetirizine side effects

Before using levocetirizine, the patient should inform the doctor about the history of allergy to the active ingredients levocetirizine, cetirizine or hydroxyzine and any other allergic conditions. All medical history should be informed to the doctor before using levocetirizine, especially: difficulty urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate), kidney disease.

Levocetirizine can make users drowsy. Concurrent use of alcohol or marijuana with drugs can make drowsiness worse. Do not operate a vehicle, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you can do it safely. Products containing the active ingredient levocetirizine in liquid form may contain sugar or aspartame, so care should be taken when using it in patients with diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any condition where these substances should be limited or avoided. in the diet. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for safer use of levocetirizine.
Before any surgery, including dental procedures, the patient should tell the doctor or dentist about all the products they are using (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and other medications). herbal products). Use levocetirizine for pregnant and lactating women only when clearly needed. Discuss with your doctor the possible benefits and risks.

5. Levocetirizine drug interactions

Levocetirizine drug interactions with other products can affect and affect the main effect or increase the risk of serious side effects. Caution should be exercised when levocetirizine is used with certain other products that cause drowsiness, such as opioid pain relievers or cough suppressants (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, tranquilizers, or anti-anxiety medications (alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem) ), muscle relaxants (carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine) or active ingredients in the same class of antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine, promethazine).
In addition, some other medicines may contain the same active ingredient levocetirizine and increase the risk of drowsiness. Do not use levocetirizine with any other topical antihistamine active ingredient, as it may increase the risk of side effects. The active ingredient levocetirizine is similar to hydroxyzine and cetirizine, do not use these drugs while using levocetirizine.
Levocetirizine is indicated for the treatment of allergic diseases, in order for the drug to promote the best therapeutic effect and avoid unwanted side effects, patients need to follow the doctor's instructions. In case the use of the drug is not effective, the patient should stop taking the drug and go to the medical facility for examination and treatment and adjust the dose or prescribe a more suitable drug.
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Reference source: webmd.com