1. Is levocetirizine a steroid?
Levocetirizine is an antihistamine medication used to lower symptoms like skin rashes and other allergic reactions occurring in the body due to hay fever, seasonal allergies, etc.
The white blood cells produce histamine to defend against an allergen. These cause the said inconvenient allergic reactions. Levocetirizine blocks histamine, and gradually lessens the allergic symptoms.
2. Does levocetirizine make you sleepy?
Most antihistamine medications are well recognized to induce sleep, decrease alertness, impair consciousness, and weaken cognitive function with clinical use. Levocetirizine is a new generation antihistamine and improves these events as it does not permeate the blood-brain barrier as much as other antihistamines. It does not induce these side effects for the same reason.
3. Is Levocetirizine safe during pregnancy?
Levocetirizine should not be used during pregnancy if not needed. This medication comes under the US FDA pregnancy category: B. No scientific evidence has confirmed that levocetirizine causes fetal disturbance or malformation, or halts the pregnancy. Several animal reproduction studies failed to prove if levocetirizine poses a risk to the fetus.
4. Is Levocetirizine an antibiotic?
No. Levocetirizine has no antibacterial properties. It is simply an antihistamine medication that blocks the production of histamine, a natural chemical in the body. It can treat symptoms of only allergic conditions like itching, rashes, runny nose, and watery eyes. It cannot resist bacterial infection, and thus is not an antibiotic.
5. How long does levocetirizine stay in your system?
The onset of action of levocetirizine lasts for 28 hours. However, it takes 50 hours to be eliminated from your system. You should avoid taking levocetirizine if you are suffering from kidney disease or are undergoing dialysis. Once your symptoms disappear, you should discontinue the medication and watch the weight change.
6. How long does levocetirizine take to work?
The effects of levocetirizine begin after approximately one hour. They reach their peak six hours after administration and remain for 28 hours. In the treatment of allergic rhinitis, the onset of levocetirizine's action remains for one day after taking it.
7. Why take levocetirizine at night?
Levocetirizine is often consumed in the morning. You can take it whenever it is suitable, either before or after a meal. However, adequate sleep is needed afterward, as levocetirizine may make you drowsy. It is recommended to avoid activities that require concentration after taking levocetirizine, like driving. Hence, it is best to take levocetirizine at night.
8. Can I take levocetirizine twice a day?
Not entirely. Adults and children over 12 years can take levocetirizine 5mg tablets once a day in the evening. In some cases, a 2.5 mg dose (half tablet) is given to patients once again in the evening. Do not exceed the dose of Levocetirizine. Discontinue the tablet if any side effects occur and after the symptoms have disappeared.
9. Is Levocetirizine safe during breastfeeding?
Small doses of levocetirizine are normally acceptable during breastfeeding. However, if the mother exceeds the dosage, it may lead to prolonged effects and drowsiness in infants. Increased dosages can reduce milk supply, especially if consumed with a sympathomimetic drug such as pseudoephedrine.
10. Does Levocetirizine cause weight gain?
Levocetirizine blocks histamine to relieve allergic symptoms. This medication has been established to increase appetite in many cases and cause potential weight gain. Post the relief of the symptoms, you should discontinue the medication and watch the weight change.
For more detailed information regarding this medication and qualified medical advice, consult our healthcare experts at Yashoda Hospitals.
