Cetirizine/Levocetirizine

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion

Popular brand names:

[cetirizine] Allecet, Ceticit, Texa allergy, Zelary, Zyrtec 

[levocetirizine] Allerway 5, Cetizal, Levogex, Xyzal

Drug group:

Antihistamine

Prescription needed?

No

What does it do?

Cetirizine and levocetirizine are long-acting antihistamines, used in the treatment of:

• allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• allergic skin conditions such as urticaria (hives)

Cetirizine and levocetirizine are less sedating than traditional antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine, and are therefore useful in situations where drowsiness needs to be avoided.

How should it be used?

Antihistamines should be discontinued about 2 days before allergy skin testing

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Tablets/liquid: taken 1–2 x daily
• Cetirizine: adults/children > 6 years = 10mg daily (side effects less if taken 5mg twice a day), children 2–5 years = 5mg daily
• Levocetirizine: adults/children >6years = 5mg daily

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 1–3 hours, but full effect in 1–2 days

How long will the effects last?

Up to 24 hours

When should I stop using it?

Can be safely stopped as soon as no longer needed
         

Is it safe for prolonged use?

No problems expected                                                 

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue
• Less common: headache, diarrhoea
• report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: severe side effects

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney problems, glaucoma
• Other medicines: other anticholinergic drugs (including antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, some drugs for parkinsonism); anti-anxiety drugs, sleeping drugs
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: cetirizine not recommended <2 years; levocetirizine not recommended <6 years
• Over 60: No problems expected
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug can cause drowsiness
• Alcohol: Keep consumption low