Use of Levocetirizine for allergies

The antihistamine Levocetirizine hydrochloride is able to block histamine receptors, thereby preventing the development of allergic symptoms and the effect on the patient's body.

The second generation of medicines belongs to the most modern antihistamines that are actively fighting this symptomatology.

Levocetirizine - Teva helps to relieve the common cold, relieve allergic rhinitis and other manifestations of seasonal and chronic allergies.

The instruction for the drug states that Levocetirizine is characterized by selectivity in suppressing certain receptors. This allows you to achieve a high clinical effect with the least number of side effects.

A similar drug with the presence of the same active substance (Levocetirizine) is Zodak. This drug is classified as a long-acting antihistamine.

pharmachologic effect

Experts' reviews confirm the linear changes in the kinetic characteristics of the drug. After internal use, Cetirizine, as well as Zodak Express, is absorbed as quickly as possible in the gastrointestinal tract. Adsorption is not affected by food consumption.

Zodak Express achieves 100% bioavailability. A single dose of the drug for 1 hour is accompanied by a maximum concentration in the blood. When using the drug for 2 days, the active substance in the blood is balanced.

The distribution level of Levocetirizine dihydrochloride corresponds to 0.4 l / kg. It is metabolized by the liver through an oxidation process in the body. Low metabolic rates (up to 14%) are due to the insignificant drug interaction of the drug.

Half-life is provided within 8 hours. Completely the drug is excreted within 96 hours. In persons with a history of renal failure, the T1 / 2 period increases. This requires an individual dosage selection. In children, these indicators are underestimated, which is confirmed by the reviews of experts.

Indications for use

Levocetirizine-Teva is prescribed to relieve allergic symptoms in the following cases:

• rhinitis, conjunctivitis of an allergic nature;
• lacrimation, unbearable itching;
• rhinorrhea, frequent sneezing;

• lacrimation, redness of the eyes;
• idiopathic urticaria, Quincke's edema;
• antihistamines are actively prescribed for pollinosis.

In addition, indications for the appointment of an antihistamine are allergic dermatoses, accompanied by a rash.

Contraindications

Levocetirizine-Teva is contraindicated in the following manifestations:

• children's age, less than 6 years;
• the presence of chronic kidney disease;
• you can not use antiallergic drugs if the woman is pregnant or breastfeeding;
• individual susceptibility to the drug.

The instruction for the drug recommends prescribing it with caution to elderly patients due to the fact that the antihistamine can reduce the filtration of the glomeruli.

Instructions

1 tablet contains: 5 mg of active substance. The price of tablets is on average 170 - 230 rubles.

Release form: Syrup, drops, tablets.

Drops

The price of drops is on average 450 rubles (5mg / ml 20ml). They can be dissolved in water. Levocetirizine dihydrochloride is prescribed on an empty stomach for adults and children over 2 years of age.

• For adult patients and children from 6 years of age, 20 drops (5 mg) are prescribed once a day;
• for children from 2 years to 6 - 10 drops (2.5 mg) once a day within 24 hours.

Syrup

Expert reviews and laboratory studies indicate the optimal dosage:

• For adult patients and children from 6 years old - 10 ml (5 mg) once a day;
• children 2 years old - 6 - 2.5 ml of syrup (1.25 mg) in the morning and evening.

The maximum daily dosage of syrup should be no more than 20 ml (10 mg).

Pills

Zodak Express should be taken on an empty stomach, without chewing, at the same time.

• Patients from 6 years old - 5 mg (daily dosage).

The doctors' comments confirm the duration of the treatment, depending on the severity of the allergic manifestations.

In case of short-term contact with allergens, it is enough to use the product within 7 days. In the chronic course of allergies, treatment measures can last for 1 year. In case of pathological diseases of the kidneys and liver, it is better to adjust the dosage in accordance with the patient's QC.

Tablets and drops must be consumed following the recommendations indicated by the instructions for using the antihistamine. Before taking Levocetirizine, Cetirizine (Zirtek), as well as other drugs, you need to consult your doctor.

It is not recommended to take Levocetirizine dihydrochloride for chronic diseases that can increase negative symptoms during treatment. Unlike other antiallergenic agents, elderly patients with a normal course of allergies and the absence of abnormalities in the functioning of the kidneys do not require a dosage reduction.

Side effects

Side effects can manifest themselves:

• increased fatigue, drowsiness;
• paroxysmal headaches, asthenia;
• dry mouth, bouts of nausea;
• Levocetirizine dihydrochloride may cause hyperexcitability in the patient;
• abdominal pain, dyspepsia;

• tachycardia, dizziness;
• visual impairment, weight gain;
• urticaria, dyspnea.

In the case when the drug causes many side effects, analogs may be prescribed. It should be borne in mind that the price of substitutes can be completely different and is not an indicator of efficiency.

Drug interactions

Simultaneous use of macrolides, as well as ketonazole, does not cause changes in the patient's electrocardiogram.

The combined use of theophylline with a daily dosage of at least 400 mg lowers the levocytirizine clearance to 16%. At the same time, Theophylline remains unchanged.

There are no confirmed data on the use of a therapeutic dose of the drug in conjunction with alcohol. However, it is recommended to abstain from alcoholic beverages during the treatment course.

Pregnancy

The antihistamine, which Zodak Express belongs to, should not be taken by pregnant and lactating women. The mechanism of action of these drugs for this category of patients is not well understood, therefore, the woman and the child should be protected.

Overdose

In the event that the indicated dosage of Levocetirizine-Teva is exceeded, this can cause negative symptoms, manifested by:

• the appearance of abdominal pain;
• increased fatigue and drowsiness;
• vomiting, hyperemia of the skin.

In case of an overdose, drug therapy is required. There are no specific antidotes, and hemodialysis is ineffective.

Analogs

In case of intolerance to an antihistamine, its analogs can be prescribed:

• Zyrtec (tablets, drops). The medicine quickly relieves allergic symptoms. Drops are prescribed for children from one year old. Packing price - 280 rubles;
• Zodak Express (drops and tablets). Used with caution in children. The active ingredient in Zodak is cetirizine. Price - 250 rubles;

• Parlazin (tablets). The drug actively relieves seasonal and chronic allergies. It is prescribed for adult patients and children from 2 years of age. Price - 207 rubles.

It is important to note that the price for all analogues is approximately the same, but each of them can cause side effects, despite the same active substance in the composition of the preparations.

Reviews and price

Cetirizine (Levocetirizine-Teva), the average price of which is from 220 to 300 rubles, causes positive feedback from patients. Many are satisfied with its speed and liquid form (drops, syrup), which is better for children.

In addition, the use of the drug and existing analogues allow you to select the optimal dosage and course of treatment. Zodak Express leaves a good impression. It acts quite mildly and its price is almost the same as Levocetirizine.

Levocetirizine-Tev drops do not cause drowsiness, which allows you to drive vehicles and lead a normal life. They are suitable for all categories of patients, being a modern pharmacological remedy for combating allergies.

However, there are some hard-hitting reviews, for example: some patients believe that the price of Levoterizine is too high. In addition, in some patients, it causes a number of side effects. It is quite natural that each person is individual and the use of any drug can cause negative symptoms. In order to avoid unpleasant consequences, it is necessary to consult a doctor before using the drug.