Levorid Tablet

LEVORID TABLET by CIPLA HEALTH LTD

Levorid Tablet is an antihistamine medication manufactured by Cipla Ltd., primarily used for relieving various allergy symptoms.

Name

• Brand Name: Levorid Tablet
• Common Name: Levocetirizine (active ingredient)

Composition

Each Levorid Tablet contains Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride 5 mg, which is equivalent to 4.2 mg of levocetirizine.

Uses

Levorid Tablet is prescribed to treat a range of allergic conditions by blocking histamine, a chemical responsible for allergic reactions in the body. These conditions include:

• Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Relieves symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes caused by pollen or dust.
• Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: Helps manage year-round allergy symptoms triggered by allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, or mold.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Reduces red, itchy, and swollen eyes due to allergies.
• Urticaria (Hives): Provides relief from itching, swelling, and raised, red patches on the skin.
• Eczema (Dermatitis): Alleviates symptoms such as rash, swelling, itching, and irritation.
• Reactions to Insect Bites and Stings: Helps to reduce allergic responses.
• Some Food Allergies.

Dosage and Administration

Levorid Tablet should be taken as prescribed by a doctor.

• Typical Dosage: The recommended daily dose for adults and adolescents 12 years and above is 5 mg (1 tablet) once daily in the evening. Children aged 6 to 12 years also typically receive 5 mg (1 tablet) once daily in the evening.
• Administration: It can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet.
• Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered, unless it's almost time for the next dose. Do not double up on doses.

Side Effects

While generally safe, Levorid Tablet may cause some side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness/Sleepiness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain/Abdominal pains
• Sickness/Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue/Tiredness
• Nasopharyngitis (common cold, inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Nosebleeds

Serious Side Effects (less common):

• Agitation and restlessness (initially in children with overdose)
• Urinary retention/difficulty passing urine
• Seizures
• Fever
• Anxiety
• Paraesthesia (prickling sensations in hands and legs)

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not use if allergic to levocetirizine, cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any of the ingredients.
• Kidney Impairment: Contraindicated in patients with severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min) and those undergoing hemodialysis. Use with caution in patients with kidney disease, and dosage adjustment may be necessary.
• Liver Impairment: Limited information is available; consult your doctor. Levorid Tablet is generally considered safe in patients with liver disease if prescribed.
• Urinary Retention: Avoid in individuals with urinary retention problems, such as those with an enlarged prostate or bladder obstruction, as it may worsen the condition.
• Pregnancy: Levorid Tablet is a pregnancy category B medicine. It should be used during pregnancy only if prescribed by a doctor after weighing benefits and risks.
• Breastfeeding: Levorid Tablet is known to pass into breast milk in limited quantities. It should be used by breastfeeding mothers only if prescribed, and potential risks to the infant should be considered.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Levorid Tablet, as it may enhance sedative effects and cause excessive drowsiness.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Levorid Tablet may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or affect vision. Avoid activities requiring full mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Skin Allergy Tests: Levorid Tablet may interfere with skin allergy tests; your doctor may recommend stopping it 72 hours before the test.
• Drug Interactions:
  • Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants (e.g., diazepam, alprazolam): May increase the risk of drowsiness and sedation.
  • Anticholinergic Medications (e.g., atropine, ipratropium): May increase the risk of side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and difficulty urinating.
  • Theophylline: Theophylline levels may rise, potentially requiring dosage adjustment.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Non-cold chain medicine; to be stored in cool places at 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

LEVORID TABLET by Cipla Health Ltd.

What is Levorid Tablet used for?

Levorid Tablet is primarily used to treat various allergic conditions. These include symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and nasal congestion. It is also effective in relieving symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives), which involves itchy, raised, red welts on the skin, as well as other allergic skin reactions like eczema and reactions to insect bites and stings.

How does Levorid Tablet work?

Levorid Tablet contains levocetirizine, which is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a natural chemical substance that your body releases during an allergic reaction. By inhibiting histamine from binding to its receptors, Levorid Tablet helps to reduce allergic symptoms like itching, swelling, sneezing, and watery eyes.

What is the usual dosage for Levorid Tablet?

For adults and children 12 years and older, the typical recommended dose is one 5mg tablet once daily, preferably in the evening, with or without food. For children aged 6 to 11 years, a reduced dose of 2.5mg (half a tablet) once daily in the evening is usually recommended. Your doctor may adjust the dosage based on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication. It's crucial not to exceed the prescribed dose.

What are the possible side effects of Levorid Tablet?

Common side effects may include drowsiness (somnolence), dry mouth, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. Other reported side effects include nasopharyngitis (common cold), sore throat, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, cough, and nosebleeds. If any side effects persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Is Levorid Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: Limited information is available regarding the safety of Levorid Tablet in pregnant women. It is generally advised to be cautious and to use this medicine during pregnancy only if clearly prescribed by your doctor, who will weigh the potential benefits against any risks. Breastfeeding: Levocetirizine, the active ingredient, is known to pass into breast milk in limited quantities. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid taking Levorid Tablet while breastfeeding unless specifically advised by your doctor after a careful assessment of risks and benefits.

Can Levorid Tablet be taken with other medications?

You should inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions. Levorid Tablet should not be taken with alcohol or central nervous system depressants, as this can increase drowsiness and impair performance. It may interact with anticholinergic medications, potentially increasing side effects like dry mouth and difficulty urinating. Theophylline levels may also be affected, possibly requiring a dosage adjustment. However, it can generally be taken with paracetamol.

What precautions should be taken while using Levorid Tablet?

It is important to be cautious if you experience drowsiness or dizziness, and to avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, epilepsy, or urinary retention issues, as dose adjustments or alternative treatments may be necessary. Do not take Levorid Tablet if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine. If you are scheduled for an allergy skin test, you should stop taking Levorid Tablet at least 72 hours beforehand, as it can affect the test results.

What happens if a dose of Levorid Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

How should Levorid Tablet be stored?

Levorid Tablet should be stored at room temperature, ideally between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC, in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the medication out of the sight and reach of children. Always ensure to use the medicine before its expiry date.