Levocetirizine is an antihistamine for allergy symptoms — sneezing, a running or itchy nose, watery eyes and hives. It is the more active half of cetirizine.
- Generic name
- Levocetirizine dihydrochloride
- Active ingredient
- Levocetirizine dihydrochloride
- Common brands in India
- Levocet, Xyzal, Teczine, 1-Al, Vozet
- Available as
- Tablet, Syrup, Oral drops
- Common strengths
- 5 mg, 2.5 mg/5 mL syrup
- How it is sold
- Commonly available without a prescription
No dosage information on this page
The correct dose depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other medicines and medical history. Follow the dose your doctor prescribed, or the instructions on the pack. Never copy a dose from a website or from someone else's prescription.
What Levocetirizine is used for
- Allergic rhinitis — sneezing, running nose, blocked nose and itching
- Watery, itchy or red eyes from allergy
- Hives (urticaria) and allergic skin itching
- Long-standing itching where a doctor has identified an allergic cause
How it works
Cetirizine is a mixture of two mirror-image forms of the same molecule, and only one of them does the work. Levocetirizine is that active half on its own. It blocks histamine, the chemical behind the sneezing, itching and swelling of an allergic reaction.
How to take Levocetirizine
- It can be taken with or without food.
- Many people take it in the evening, since it makes some people drowsy.
- For children, use the syrup or drops with the measuring device supplied, and follow what your doctor or pharmacist tells you.
- Do not take it alongside cetirizine or another antihistamine unless a doctor has told you to — they do the same job.
Precautions
- It can cause drowsiness. Find out how it affects you before driving or operating machinery.
- Avoid alcohol while taking it, as this increases drowsiness.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems — a smaller amount is often needed.
- If you need it every day for weeks, see a doctor to identify the trigger rather than continuing indefinitely.
Common side effects
Not everyone gets side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these are troublesome or do not settle.
- Sleepiness or feeling tired
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Occasionally stomach discomfort
Important warnings
- It is not a treatment for a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis — swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, sudden collapse — needs adrenaline and emergency hospital care. Do not lose time taking an antihistamine.
- It does not treat an asthma attack. Use your prescribed inhaler and seek medical help.
- Do not double up with cetirizine. They are the same medicine, and taking both only adds side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cetirizine and levocetirizine?
Cetirizine contains two mirror-image forms of the molecule and only one of them is active. Levocetirizine is that active half alone, so a smaller amount does the same job. In practice most people find them similar. Never take both together.
Does levocetirizine cause less drowsiness than cetirizine?
It is often described that way, and some people do find it less sedating, but a meaningful number still feel sleepy on it. Treat it as a medicine that may make you drowsy until you know how it affects you.
Can levocetirizine be taken every day?
Some people with ongoing allergies do, on a doctor's advice. If you find yourself needing it daily for weeks, that is a reason to have the trigger identified rather than to keep taking it on your own.
What are the side effects of levocetirizine?
Sleepiness matters most — check how it affects you before driving. Dry mouth, headache and occasional stomach discomfort also occur, and alcohol makes the drowsiness worse.
What this costs, and what is free
Commonly available free at government hospitals and health and wellness centres when prescribed there.
Generic versions are sold at Jan Aushadhi Kendras at substantially lower prices than branded packs of the same medicine.
The same molecule is sold under many brand names at very different prices. Ask your doctor to write the generic name, and compare at a Jan Aushadhi Kendra — the saving on a medicine taken daily is often substantial over a year. You can look up any medicine's official ceiling price on NPPA's Pharma Sahi Daam app.
Source: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)
Prices and scheme rules change. Confirm current details with the hospital or Kendra before you rely on them.
Looking for Levocetirizine locally?Aswini Medicals is a pharmacy that stocks everyday medicines and can advise on availability.
Visit Aswini Medicals