Levocet Syr 60ml

LEVOCET SYRUP 60ML by HETERO DRUGS LTD

Name

Brand Name: Levocet Syrup Common Name: Levocetirizine Oral Solution

Composition

Levocet Syrup 60ml contains Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride as its active ingredient, at a concentration of 2.5 mg per 5 ml. Levocetirizine is a non-sedating, third-generation antihistamine.

Uses

Levocet Syrup is primarily prescribed for the relief of symptoms associated with various allergic conditions. It effectively addresses:

• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Including seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, providing relief from sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy or watery eyes.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Alleviates symptoms such as red, itchy, and swollen eyes.
• Urticaria (Hives): Reduces itching, swelling, and raised red patches on the skin.
• Allergic Skin Reactions: Including conditions like eczema and reactions resulting from insect bites and stings.
• Cough and Dry Throat: Helps provide relief from coughs caused by allergies, flu, or colds.

Dosage and Administration

The dosage of Levocet Syrup should be determined by a healthcare professional, as it can vary based on age, weight, and the specific condition being treated.

• Adults and Adolescents (12 years and above): The typical recommended daily dose is 5 mg (10 ml of solution) once daily.
• Children (6 months to 11 years): Dosage is generally weight-based. For children weighing 14-30 kg, the usual dose is 5mg (10ml solution) once daily. For children aged 2-6 years, a daily recommended dose of 2.5 mg can be administered in two intakes of 1.25 mg (2.5 ml twice daily).
• The syrup can be administered with or without food.
• It is often recommended to take this medicine in the evening.
• Shake the bottle well before use and use a measuring spoon or cup for accurate dosing.
• Consistent adherence to the prescribed dosage and duration is crucial for effectiveness.

Side Effects

While generally well-tolerated, common side effects may include:

• Drowsiness, sleepiness, or fatigue.
• Dry mouth.
• Headache, dizziness.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain.
• Sore throat, cough, or fever. These side effects are usually mild and transient, often resolving as the body adjusts to the medication. Serious side effects are rare.

Precautions

• Kidney and Liver Impairment: Patients with impaired kidney function may require dosage adjustments. Use with caution in patients with liver disease.
• Epilepsy/Seizures: Caution is advised in patients with epilepsy or those at risk of convulsions, as levocetirizine may aggravate seizures.
• Alcohol and CNS Depressants: Concurrent use with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants can increase drowsiness and impair performance.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Due to potential drowsiness and dizziness, it is advisable to avoid activities requiring full concentration, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Levocet Syrup should be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women only if deemed necessary by a physician, although it is generally not considered harmful.
• Pediatric Use: Generally advised to avoid in children under 4 years of age due to potential risk of respiratory distress. Administration to infants and toddlers aged less than 2 years is not recommended due to lack of data.
• Urinary Retention: Caution should be exercised in patients with predisposing factors for urinary retention (e.g., spinal cord lesion, prostatic hyperplasia).
• Allergies: Do not use if allergic to levocetirizine, cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any other piperazine derivatives, or any of the excipients.
• Constipation in Children: If constipation occurs in children, ensure they drink plenty of fluids and consume a fiber-rich diet.
• Discontinuation: Pruritus (itching) may occur if levocetirizine is stopped suddenly.

Storage

Store Levocet Syrup at room temperature in a dry place, away from direct heat and light. Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children to prevent accidental intake. Discard the syrup 3 months after opening.

LEVOCET SYR 60ML contains Levocetirizine, an antihistamine medication used to relieve various allergy symptoms.

What is LEVOCET SYR 60ML used for?

LEVOCET SYR 60ML is primarily used to treat symptoms associated with various allergic conditions. These include seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and perennial allergic rhinitis, which cause sneezing, itchy and runny nose, and red, watery, itchy eyes. It is also effective for chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives), which presents as itchy skin rashes, and can help with allergic conjunctivitis, eczema, and mild reactions to insect bites or stings. Additionally, it may be used to relieve cough and dry throat conditions related to allergies.

How does LEVOCET SYR 60ML work?

LEVOCET SYR 60ML works as an antihistamine. Its active ingredient, Levocetirizine, blocks the action of histamine, a natural chemical in the body responsible for triggering allergic reactions. By binding to histamine receptors, it prevents the release of allergy-causing chemicals, thereby reducing symptoms like itching, swelling, redness, sneezing, and watery eyes.

What is the usual dosage for LEVOCET SYR 60ML?

The dosage of LEVOCET SYR 60ML varies depending on age and condition. For adults and adolescents 12 years and older, the recommended dose is typically 5 mg (10 ml of oral solution) once daily in the evening; some individuals may find 2.5 mg sufficient. For children aged 6 to 11 years, the recommended dose is 2.5 mg (5 ml of oral solution) once daily in the evening. For children aged 2 to 5 years, the recommended dose is 1.25 mg (2.5 ml of oral solution) once daily in the evening. Children aged 6 months to 2 years may be prescribed an initial dose of 1.25 mg (2.5 ml oral solution) once daily, with dosage determined by a doctor. It should be measured accurately using a measuring device.

What are the possible side effects of LEVOCET SYR 60ML?

Common side effects can include drowsiness, tiredness, dry mouth, headache, sore throat (nasopharyngitis or pharyngitis), cough, fever, nosebleed, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and ear infection. Less common but more serious side effects may include anxiety, seizures, tingling sensations (paraesthesia), blurred vision, painful urination (dysuria), low blood pressure (hypotension), increased heart rate (tachycardia), muscle pain, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If serious side effects occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Is LEVOCET SYR 60ML safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of levocetirizine in pregnant women, so it should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed, and under a doctor's guidance (FDA Pregnancy Category B). For breastfeeding, caution is recommended because levocetirizine may be excreted into breast milk. It could potentially cause drowsiness in the nursing infant or, in larger doses or prolonged use, decrease milk supply. It is advisable to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can LEVOCET SYR 60ML be taken with other medications?

LEVOCET SYR 60ML should not be taken with alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, as this can increase drowsiness and impair mental alertness. Levocetirizine can interact with many other drugs, with a significant number of moderate interactions and some serious interactions, including certain MAO inhibitors. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription, nonprescription, vitamin, nutritional supplement, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take to avoid potential drug interactions.

What precautions should be taken while using LEVOCET SYR 60ML?

Since LEVOCET SYR 60ML can cause drowsiness, it is important to avoid activities requiring complete mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how the medicine affects you. Patients with kidney disease, those at risk for urinary retention (e.g., due to an enlarged prostate or spinal cord lesion), epilepsy, or a predisposition for convulsions should use this medication with caution and under medical supervision. The use of levocetirizine is contraindicated in patients with end-stage renal disease (creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min) and in children 6 months to 11 years old with impaired renal function.

What happens if a dose of LEVOCET SYR 60ML is missed?

If you miss a dose of LEVOCET SYR 60ML, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should LEVOCET SYR 60ML be stored?

LEVOCET SYR 60ML should be stored at room temperature in a dry place, away from direct heat and light. It is crucial to keep the medication tightly closed and out of the reach and sight of children to prevent accidental ingestion.