Levocetirizine vs Cetirizine

Levocetirizine vs Cetirizine – detailed comparison:

Levocetirizine

It is an oral tablet that is available as both a generic and brand-name drug. Brand name: Xyzal.

This medication is a third-generation non-sedating antihistamine that is produced from the second-generation antihistamine cetirizine.

This antihistamine works by blocking the action of histamine, an important neurotransmitter that is produced by the body when it reacts to a foreign substance, like –  pet fur or pollen. The neurotransmitter acts on histamine receptors, ultimately, leading to a chain reaction which usually results in allergic symptoms.

Uses

It is used to treat the symptoms of allergic conditions, like – allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, including an itchy nose and sneezing.

Dosage

The recommended dosage is 5 mg once per day in the evening. The effect of this third-generation non-sedating antihistamine lasts for an average of 24 hours.

Note – seniors should use this medication with caution since they may be more sensitive to its effects.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects may include:

  • feeling tired;
  • a cough;
  • a sore throat;
  • fever (high temperature);
  • drowsiness;
  • sinus pain;
  • stuffy nose;
  • weakness.

Less common side effects may include:

  • agitation;
  • nosebleeds (particularly in children);
  • hallucinations;
  • lightheadedness;
  • loss of appetite;
  • little or no urinating;
  • dark-colored urine;
  • foul-smelling stools;
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice);
  • drainage from the ear;
  • aggression;
  • worsening allergy symptoms;
  • painful or difficult urination;
  • hearing problems;
  • ear pain or full feeling;
  • tingling around the lips or mouth;
  • ear infection;
  • depression;
  • trouble hearing;
  • a light-headed feeling like you might pass out;
  • constipation;
  • dry mouth;
  • vomiting;
  • unexplained weight gain;
  • stomach pain.

Drug Interactions

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, especially:

  • azithromycin (Zmax, Zithromax);
  • cimetidine (Tagamet);
  • theophylline (Theolair, Slo-Bid);
  • ritonavir (Norvir);
  • sedative or sleeping pills;
  • antidepressants;
  • pseudoephedrine (Sudafed);
  • xareleto;
  • erythromycin (Erythrocin);
  • antipyrine (Aurodex, Phenazone);
  • antihistamines (doxylamine succinate);
  • medications for mental illness, anxiety, or seizures;
  • ketoconazole (Nizoral);
  • ibuprofen.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

This third-generation non-sedating antihistamine can pass into breast milk and may negatively affect the baby. Hence, you shouldn’t breastfeed while taking it.

It is a Pregnancy Category B drug, which means it is not expected to negatively affect an unborn baby.

Alcohol

Consuming alcoholic beverages while taking this medication may increase your risk of side effects, particularly drowsiness. Hence, you should talk to your doctor about how much alcohol is safe to drink while taking this third-generation non-sedating antihistamine.

Cetirizine

It is a second-generation antihistamine (brand name – Zyrtec), commonly used to treat cold symptoms, nasal congestion, hives, or severe allergies. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a neurotransmitter in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

Note – second-generation antihistamines like this one are less able to cross the blood-brain barrier, therefore, they have fewer effects on the central nervous system compared to first-generation antihistamines.

This medication was originally approved by the US FDA in 1996 as a prescription medicine. In 2007, the US FDA made it available as an over-the-counter medication.

Uses

This second-generation antihistamine is used to treat swelling and itching caused by chronic urticaria. Moreover, it is used to treat allergy or cold symptoms, such as – runny nose, itching, sneezing, or watery eyes.

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Dosage

The recommended dose for children 11 years and more is 5 to 10 mg a day. The recommended dose for 5 to 10-year-old children is 2, 5-5 mg a day. For people with kidney or liver problems the recommended dose is 5 mg a day.

Side Effects And Precautions 

Common side effects may include:

  • dizziness;
  • dry mouth;
  • nausea;
  • drowsiness;
  • tired feeling;
  • constipation.

Less common side effects may include:

  • pounding heartbeat;
  • hyperactivity;
  • little urination;
  • uneven heartbeat;
  • weakness;
  • confusion;
  • tremors (uncontrolled shaking);
  • severe restless feeling;
  • sleep problems (insomnia);
  • problems with vision.

Alcohol

Since it is a second-generation antihistamine, it does not readily pass to the brain and is less likely to cause sedation. However, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, usually associated with sedation.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Do not take this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby. Also, you should not take this antihistamine if you are pregnant without first consulting your healthcare professional.

Drug Interactions

Since this second-generation antihistamine may negatively interact with other medications you may be taking, you should tell your doctor about all the drugs you take, including:

  • vitamins;
  • ipratropium (a medication that opens up the large and medium airways in the lungs);
  • aclidinium (Tudorza Pressair);
  • rozerem;
  • herbal supplements;
  • aricept;
  • azelastine (a histamine antagonist used to treat mild persistent rhinitis);
  • umeclidinium (Incruse Ellipta);
  • potassium chloride (a metal halide salt composed of chloride and potassium);
  • anticholinergics, such as – solifenacin (Vesicare), glycopyrrolate (Robinul, Cuvposa),  oxybutynin (Gelnique, Anturol), dicyclomine (Bentyl), and propantheline (Pro-Banthine);
  • tiotropium (a medication that is used in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

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Bottom Line – Levocetirizine vs Cetirizine

Levocetirizine (brand name – Xyzal) is a potent third-generation antihistamine that has the ability to inhibit cutaneous histamine-induced itching and the wheal and flare reaction.

Cetirizine (brand name – Zyrtec) belongs to a group of medicines called second-generation antihistamines which stop the effects of histamine, a naturally occurring substance. This helps to relieve the symptoms of allergies.

According to a 2007 study done at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Chandigarh, India, the clinical efficacy of levocetirizine and cetirizine was comparable with a marginal advantage of better antipruritic effect of levocetirizine.

According to a 2008 study done at the Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Taichung, Taiwan, both antihistamines showed substantial improvement in nasal peak expiratory flow rate in comparison with the placebo group, however, cetirizine appeared to be more efficient than levocetirizine.

Note – patients should speak with their doctor to determine which medication is right for them.

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20350147
https://www.ucb.com/our-science/Our-clinical-studies/xyzal-levocetirizine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16136768

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