Levocetirizine and cetirizine are generally prescription medications, categorized as piperazine derivatives. Both are employed as systemic antihistamines for allergic rhinitis (sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose) and chronic urticaria (skin allergy). As a Third Generation Antihistamine, levocetirizine is actually an enantiomer of cetirizine, a Second Generation Antihistamine.
Both levocetirizine and cetirizine has less CNS penetration unlike the FGA. With this, both drugs have minimal sedating effect.
Both levocetirizine and cetirizine has less CNS penetration unlike the FGA. With this, both drugs have minimal sedating effect.
Levocetirizine can be available in 5mg tablet and in 5mg/5ml drops. It is given once a day. A 5mg tablet can be taken by an adult and children from 6 years old and above. Children from 1 to 6 years old are given half the dose (2.5mg) while infants from 6 months to 1 year old are given 1.25mg once a day.
Cetirizine on the other hand, is available in 10mg tablet, 5mg/ 5ml syrup and 2.5mg/ml drops. A 10mg cetirizine can be taken by adults and children from six years old. It is usually taken once a day. However, its dose can be divided into two - usually given in the morning then in the evening. Children from 2 to 6 years old are given half the dose of a 10mg cetirizine and infants from 6 months to 1 year old are given 2.5mg.
