Levocet

COMPOSITION

Each film coated tablet contains

Levocetrizine     5 mg

DESCRIPTION

Levocetirizine is a third generation non-sedative antihistamine, developed from the second generation antihistamine Cetirizine. Chemically, levocetirizine is the active enantiomer of cetirizine. Levocetrizine is a selective, long acting peripheral H1 receptor antagonist antihistamine.

PHARMACOLOGY

Pharmacodynamics:

Levocetirizine, the active enantiomer of cetirizine, is an anti-histamine; its principal effects are mediated via selective inhibition of H1 receptors. In vitro binding studies revealed that levocetirizine has an affinity for the human H₁-receptor 2-fold higher than that of cetirizine (Ki = 3 nmol/L vs. 6 nmol/L, respectively).

Pharmacokinetics:

Levocetirizine is rapidly and extensively absorbed following oral administration. In adults, peak plasma concentrations are achieved 0.9 hour after administration of the oral tablet. Food had no effect on the extent of exposure (AUC) of the levocetirizine tablet, but Tmax was delayed by about 1.25 hours and Cmax was decreased by about 36% after administration with a high fat meal; therefore, levocetirizine can be administered with or without food.

INDICATIONS

• Seasonal allergic rhinitis
• Perennial allergic rhinitis
• Chronic idiopathic urticaria
• Acute allergic reactions due to food, drugs, insect bite.
• Ocular symptoms (redness, lacrimation and itching)
• Urticaria Demographism
• Atopic eczema
• Contact dermatitis

DOSAGE

The daily dose in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older should not exceed 5 mg once daily in the evening. In children 6 to 11 years of age the recommended dose is 2.5 mg once daily in the evening. In children 6 months to 5 years of age, the recommended dose is 1.25 mg once daily in the evening.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

·         Patients with known hypersensitivity

·          Patients with end-stage renal disease

·          Pediatric patients with impaired renal function

ADVERSE REACTIONS

       Headache, Somnolence,  Dry mouth,  Mild Drowsiness

Use the drug with caution during pregnancy and lactation, as the drug may pass into the breast milk.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Rate of absorption is reduced with food. Alcohol and CNS depressant may potentiate CNS side effects in the patient.

Levocetirizine dihydrochloride can potentially interact with a few other medications. Some of the medicines that may lead to drug interactions with levocetirizine include:

 Ritonavir 

 Theophylline