Levocetirizine Solution (Levocetirizine Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

Adults and children aged 6 years and older: 5mg (10mL as liquid) of levocetirizine hydrochloride once a day orally, regardless of meals. For adult patients with renal impairment, dosage is adjusted based on kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]). For normal kidney function (≥ 90) or mild renal impairment (60 -< 90), 5mg once a day is administered. For moderate renal impairment (30 -< 60), 5mg is given once.

Child dose

For children aged 2 years and older under 6 years: 1.25mg (2.5mL as liquid) once per dose, twice a day. For children aged 1 year and older under 2 years: 1.25mg (2.5mL as liquid) once per dose, once a day.

This medication should not be used in patients who are allergic to certain ingredients or who are hypersensitive to hydroxyzine or piperazine derivatives. Patients with end-stage renal disease or those undergoing hemodialysis should also refrain from using this medication. It should not be used in infants under 1 year of age; children under 6 years should receive it in liquid form rather than tablets. The liquid formulation contains an ingredient called maltitol, so patients with congenital fructose intolerance should avoid taking it. Patients with impaired kidney or liver function, as well as elderly individuals, should take caution as the concentration of this medication in their bodies may increase. This medication may cause neurological symptoms such as drowsiness, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may also occur. Tachycardia or irregular heartbeats may happen, and, on rare occasions, an increase in blood pressure may be observed. Changes in blood cell counts can occur, and hypersensitivity reactions such as skin rashes or itching may appear. Blurred vision or redness of the eyes may occur, and there can be effects on liver and kidney functions. In children, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and otitis media have been commonly reported. Drowsiness or fatigue may occur after taking this medication, so caution should be exercised when engaging in activities requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Taking this medication with alcohol or drugs affecting the central nervous system may worsen drowsiness and decrease concentration, so it is best avoided. Patients with urinary retention should be cautious, as there is a risk of urinary retention with this medication. Patients with epilepsy or those at risk of seizures should take care, as symptoms may worsen after taking this medication. The liquid formulation contains preservatives and sweeteners, which can cause allergic reactions or be harmful to health; thus, patients sensitive to these should be cautious. Taking this medication along with other antihistamines or alcohol can enhance the sedative effects on the central nervous system, so concomitant use should be avoided. Pregnant women should use this medication with caution, although there is no clear evidence of risk to the fetus. Nursing mothers should also be cautious, as this medication may be excreted in breast milk, potentially causing adverse reactions in the infant. Children under 1 year should not use this medication, and those under 12 years should have their dosage adjusted. Elderly individuals may retain the medication in their body longer due to decreased kidney function, so a lower starting dose should be initiated with monitoring. It is advisable to temporarily discontinue this medication before allergy tests. In case of overdose, adults may experience severe drowsiness, and children may become agitated before drowsiness appears; immediate medical attention is required. There is no specific antidote, so symptomatic treatment should be provided, and gastric lavage may be performed if needed. This medication is not effectively removed by hemodialysis, so caution is needed in the event of overdose.

Serious side effects

• Hives, severe swelling (edema), chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, paleness, severe allergic reaction
• Severe rash with high fever, blisters, skin peeling, pain in mucous membranes of the mouth/eyes, severe skin adverse reactions
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma attack, respiratory abnormalities accompanied by cough and fever
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), extreme lethargy, liver abnormalities (jaundice)
• Sudden and severe headache,

Mild side effects

• Drowsiness
• lethargy
• headache
• numbness
• agitation
• drowsiness
• fatigue
• dizziness
• heaviness
• excitement

This medication is sensitive to light; therefore, it should be stored in an opaque, tightly sealed container that protects it from light. Additionally, it is important to maintain a temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius while storing the medication. This helps to preserve its effectiveness over time.

Appearance

Colorless, transparent solution in a plastic bottle

Package unit

500ml/bottle * 1