Levocetirizine is an anti allergy medicine. This medicine is one of the most commonly used medicine globally for treatment of allergic symptoms.
One thing should be ket in mind that allergy may not be cure completely. Few cases however may be treated with Immunotherapy with success.
Most of the cases of allergy need symtomatic treatment. Allergic symptoms like sneezing, runny nose itching can be well controlled with Levocetirizine.
Levocetirizine is a second generation anti histamine anti allergic drugs. Anti histamines anti allergic drugs basically of two types. First generation and second generation.
First generation anti histamine anti allergic drugs can control your allergic symptoms but they have sedative effects. That means if you use first generation anti histamines then you may experience sleepiness and difficuly in concentration.
But on the other hand second generation anti histanine anti allergic medicine have little or no sedative action. That means you don not experience sleepiness after taking the medicine.
OTC over the counter anti allergic antihistamines medicine include:
- Cetirizine ( brand name Cetzine, Zyrtec)
- Fexofenadine (brand name Fexy, Allegra)
- Loratadine (brand name Alavert, Claritin)
- Clemastine (brand name Tavist)
- Brompheniramine (brand name Dimetane)
- Chlorpheniramine (brand name Chlor- Trimeton)
- Diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl)
First generation or sedative anti allergic antihistamines:
Have a central effect. They can cause sedatives.
- Promethazine
- Diphenhydramine
- Brompheniramine
- Hydroxyzine
- Cyproheptadine
- Dimenhydrinate
This type of anti allergy medicines are notorious for causing drowsiness and sleepiness.
Anti allergic Second generation or less sedative antihistamines
- Loratadine
- Desloratadine
- Cetirizine
- Levocetirizine
- Fexofenadine
- Azelastine
This type of anti allergy medicines are less CNS effects like drowsiness and sleepiness.
Levocetirizine belongs to second generation anti histamine anti allergy drug
So the sedative effect with Levocetirizine is less
Anti histamines like Levocetirizine has few side effects as well. Side effects are more with first generation anti histamines. With Levocetirizine, side effects are less as it belongs to second generation drugs
Side effects of antihistamines like Levocetirizine
Side effect are more common with first generation antihistamines.
- Sedation
- Dry mouth
- Mydriasis
- Dizziness,
- Tinnitus,
- Urinary retention
- Tachycardia
- Headaches
In allergy you may have several symptoms.
Common symptoms of allergy include:
Sneezing :
one of the most common symptoms of any for of allergy. This symptom is most prominent in nasal allergy like Allergic rhinitis. However it can also occur in other form of allergy like in food allergy or after exposure to dust.
Sneezing can occur throughout the year in perennial for of allergic rhinitis. and in case of house dust mite allergy. Levocetirizine is effective in controlling sneezing.
Runny nose :
This is a common symptom of allergic disease. Watery runny nose is the symptoms. However thick sputum production can be a sign of infection. in watery runny nose Levocetirizine is effective
Itchy nose :
Itching inside the nose may be very bothering. Anti allergic medicine like Levocetirizine can control your nose itching.
Stuffy nose :
Nasal cavity congestion can led to stuffy nose. You may feel blocked nose and breathing through mouth. Studdy nose can be better controlled by anti hiostamine s nasal drops like xylometazoline and oxymetazoline
Coughing :
Allergy can lead to cough. However cough with respiratory distress is dangerous. It can be a sign severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Cough medicines like bronchodilators like salbutamol and levo salbutamol are effective in relieving cough.
Sore or scratchy throat :
It is one of important symptoms of allergy. You may have already experienced itching in the throat after taking some certain kind of foods. Levocetirizine can control throat itching
Other commonly encountered symptoms of allergy include
- Watery eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Frequent headaches
- Extremely dry, itchy skin that can blister and weep
- Hives
- Fatigue
- Anaphylaxis. It is the most dangerous form of allergic reaction. In anaphylaxis Adrenaline / Epinephrine has got large role. Levocetirizine do not have any role in anaphylaxis.
You can Ask an Allergist to tell your symptoms and the role of Levocetirizine in controlling of symptoms.
Ask Allergy Expert/ Allergy Specialist/ Allergist
Step 1: Verify the symptoms you are experiencing:
You have tell your allergist about all the symptoms you have
Common symptoms of allergy include :
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose
- Stuffy nose
- Cough
- Watery eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Frequent headaches
- Extremely dry, itchy skin
- Hives
- Fatigue
Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergy.
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis :
- Generalized urticaria and angioedema
- Itching, tightness in the throat and
- Hoarseness of voice
- Skin itching, hives, redness
- Vomiting, diarrhea, cramps in the abdomen
- Respiratory difficulty,
- A cough, wheeze
Only a few symptoms may be present. The severity of symptoms can change quickly.
Step 2: Attend any medical facility / Allergist’s Chamber.
Bring all past medical records. Tell your physician about the symptoms.
Step 3: Do Allergy test.
Your physician may advise you to do certain test to find out the cause.
Most common Allergy test includes the following:
- Skin test/Skin Prick Test (SPT)
- Blood test to detect allergen-specific IgE
- Elimination diet
- Oral food challenge
Step 4: Follow medication as prescribed by your physician.
Your Allergist most probably prescribe any of the following medication
Medications include-
Antihistamines: the most common medicine used for allergy. These medicines are effective in mild to moderate allergic reactions.
Most common Antihistamines include but not limited to :
- Fexofenadine
- Cetirizine
- Levocetirizine
- Desloratadine
Levocetirizine is the second generation anti allergy drug
Decongestants:
The decongestant can be used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. These medications can be used for a short period of time.
Decongestants include:
- Oxymetazoline
- Pseudoephedrine
- Phenylephrine
Eye drops:
These medicines can be used for a short period of time.
Corticosteroids:
- Steroid nasal sprays for a long term.
- Oral steroid for a short period of time.
Immunotherapy:
- Immunotherapy or allergy shots can change the natural history of allergic disease.
- It can cure allergy in a few patients.
- It requires long-term treatment.
Levocetirizine can not cure allergy but can only control allergy symptoms.
For severe allergic reaction or in anaphylaxis:
Injection Adrenaline/ Epinephrine. This can be given by personal adrenaline autoinjector or in the hospital.
You can ask a question on Allergy by filling up the following form. This is for a further opinion from the expert. But please remember that a personal contact with any Allergist / Physician is the best for any patient. Any internet advice is not the substitution of any medical condition. It may take time to respond to each and every query.
