What is Levocetirizine and what is it used for?

Levocetirizine dihydrochloride antihistamine tablets fight the effects of allergies, in particular allergic rhinitis, often caused by hayfever, and urticaria (nettle rash). These tablets are more powerful than over the counter alternatives, effectively reducing itching and running of the nose, congestion, sneezing as well as itching of the skin.

These tablets are available in boxes containing thirty 5 mg tablets. They are available with a prescription for adults over the age of 18 years where over the counter antihistamines have not significantly reduced their allergic symptoms.

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition, affecting up to 20% of the UK population. It results from an overactive immune system that incorrectly interprets allergens as a threat to the body. Common allergens that aggravate the condition include:

• dust mites
• pollen
• animal dander

In response to these allergens, the immune system releases histamine to destroy them. This produces symptoms of allergies, due to an increased blood flow to the nasal passages which causes inflammation, congestion and itch.

Anyone can develop allergic rhinitis and there is no cure. Those with the condition are more likely to develop other health issues such as sinusitis, middle ear infections, and nasal polyps. It can also cause sleep difficulties and may disrupt day-to-day activities. Those with allergic rhinitis should try to avoid the allergens that trigger symptoms. Regular nasal cleansing with a saltwater solution can ease symptoms by removing allergens lodged in the nasal passages.

How does Levocetirizine work?

The active ingredient, Levocetirizine, eases allergic symptoms by blocking histamine receptors. This prevents the release of other allergy-fighting chemicals and prevents the increase in blood flow to the affected area. In this way, Levocetirizine minimises the immune system’s reaction and frustrating allergy symptoms.

Alternative Treatments to Levocetirizine

There are some non-medicinal methods to help combat hay fever symptoms. Some of these may include:

• Wear wrap-around sunglasses
• Keep windows closed when it is a day with a high pollen count.
• Try to have a shower after a day almost straight away. This will remove any trapped pollen grains from your hair and or skin.

More information surrounding how to prevent hayfever can be found in our guide on How to Prevent & Treat Hayfever.

There are an extremely large range of OTC (over the counter) products you can purchase in any pharmacy, these vary from tablets to nasal sprays and also eye drops. You can view our range of hayfever treatments here. You should try these before moving onto a prescription-only medicine. Prescription treatments include:

• Dymista Nasal Spray
• Avamys Nasal Spray
• Desloratadine 5mg Tablets
• Loratadine 10mg Tablets

Here's some more information about Desloratadine vs Loratadine.

Sources

• Levocetirizine Tablets, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...