Levocetirizine+phenylephrine
About Levocetirizine+phenylephrine
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine belongs to the class of medications called 'anti-allergic primarily used to treat allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, congestion, stuffy nose, or watery eyes. Levocetirizine+phenylephrine is also used to treat a blocked nose caused by a cold or hay fever. An allergy is a condition that occurs when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance that is typically harmless to the body. These foreign substances are known as ‘allergens.’ Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some people may be allergic to certain foods, as well as seasonal allergies such as hay fever, pollen, or pet dander.
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine is a combination of two drugs: Levocetirizine (an antihistamine) and Phenylephrine (a decongestant). Levocetirizine belongs to the class of antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs) that work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps provide relief from allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion, or stiffness. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that works by contracting and narrowing the blood vessels. Thereby, provides relief from congestion and decreases mucus production.
Take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience headaches, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, or fatigue. Most of these side effects of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine do not require medical attention and typically resolve on their own over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Levocetirizine+phenylephrine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Levocetirizine+phenylephrine. Levocetirizine+phenylephrine is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Do not take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine if you have severe kidney failure. If you have fits, high blood pressure, diabetes, overactive thyroid, glaucoma, kidney, liver, or prostate problems, Raynaud’s disease (a problem that causes cold feet and hands), difficulty in emptying the bladder, phenylketonuria (a congenital disability that causes accumulation of amino acid, phenylalanine in the body), heart or circulatory problems, inform your doctor before taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine.
Uses of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine
• Allergic Rhinitis Relief: Levocetirizine+phenylephrine is commonly used to relieve symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, runny or itchy nose, and itchy or watery eyes.
• Allergy Management: Levocetirizine+phenylephrine can be used in managing general allergy symptoms caused by environmental factors, such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
• Skin Allergy Treatment: Levocetirizine+phenylephrine can be used to treat certain skin allergies that manifest as itching and redness, offering relief from discomfort associated with allergic reactions.
Medicinal Benefits
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine is a combination of two drugs: Levocetirizine and Phenylephrine, used to treat allergic symptoms. Levocetirizine belongs to the class of antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs) that work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps to provide relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion or stiffness. Phenylephrine belongs to the class of decongestants that work by contracting and narrowing the blood vessels. Thereby, it provides relief from nasal and airway congestion and decreases mucus production.
Directions for Use
• Levocetirizine+phenylephrine can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor. • Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety. • Swallow Levocetirizine+phenylephrine as a whole with a glass of water. • Do not chew, crush or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Levocetirizine+phenylephrine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Levocetirizine+phenylephrine. Levocetirizine+phenylephrine is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Avoid using Levocetirizine+phenylephrine if you have taken medicines such as linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, rasagiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, and methylene blue injection in the past 14 days. Do not take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine if you have severe kidney failure. If you have fits, high blood pressure, diabetes, overactive thyroid, glaucoma, kidney, liver, or prostate problems, Raynaud’s disease (a problem that causes cold feet and hands), difficulty in emptying the bladder, phenylketonuria (a birth defect that causes accumulation of amino acid, phenylalanine in the body), heart or circulatory problems, inform your doctor before taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Levocetirizine+phenylephrine may interact with heart-related medicines (digoxin), anti-allergic drugs (diphenhydramine), antidepressants (duloxetine), opioid pain reliever (hydrocodone), central nervous system stimulants (amphetamine), anticonvulsants (pregabalin), antianxiety drug (alprazolam), stimulant (methylphenidate), HIV/AIDS drugs (ritonavir) and bronchodilator (theophylline).
Drug-Food Interaction: Limit intake of caffeine with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine, such as chocolate, and caffeine-containing foods like cocoa beans and tea leaves, as they may increase the risk of severe side effects. Also, avoid intake of alcohol with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine as it may cause increased drowsiness, dizziness and lack of concentration.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have fits, high blood pressure, diabetes, overactive thyroid, glaucoma, kidney, liver or prostate problems, Raynaud’s disease (a problem which causes cold feet and hands), difficulty in emptying the bladder, phenylketonuria (a birth defect that causes accumulation of amino acid, phenylalanine in the body), heart or circulatory problems, inform your doctor before taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine as it may reduce alertness and increase adverse effects. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Levocetirizine+phenylephrine is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Levocetirizine+phenylephrine is excreted in human milk. It is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
unsafeLevocetirizine+phenylephrine may cause drowsiness or tiredness in some people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine.
Liver
cautionTake Levocetirizine+phenylephrine with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Levocetirizine+phenylephrine with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. Patients with severe kidney function impairment should avoid taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine.
Children
unsafeLevocetirizine+phenylephrine is not recommended for children below 12 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Add ginger to foods or tea, as it contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help relax membranes in the airways, reducing cough, irritation, and swelling in the nasal passages.
- Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. Drink liquids at room temperature to get relief from a runny nose, cough, and sneezing.
- The immune system is affected by stress, which raises the risk of illness. Do meditation, deep breathing, regular exercise, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
- It is advised to avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc. Certain food items are known to cause allergies to you.
- Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Special Advise
Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly while taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine, especially if you have diabetes, as it may increase the risk of high blood sugar levels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergy: It is a condition that occurs when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance that is typically harmless to the body. These foreign substances are known as ‘allergens.’ Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some people may be allergic to certain foods and experience seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, pollen, or pet dander. One of the main symptoms of an allergy is cough, which acts as a reflex action in the throat when mucus or a foreign irritant enters the respiratory system.
FAQs
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine is used to treat allergic symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, congestion, a stuffy nose, and watery eyes. It is also used to treat a blocked nose due to a cold or hay fever.
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine contains Levocetirizine and Phenylephrine. Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps provide relief from symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion, or stiffness. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that works by contracting and narrowing the blood vessels. Thereby, provides relief from congestion and decreases mucus production.
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine should be used with caution in diabetic patients as it may increase the risk of high blood sugar levels. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is recommended while taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine and inform your doctor if you have diabetes before taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine.
You are not recommended to take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine with alprazolam as it may increase adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness and difficulty in concentrating. However, please consult a doctor before taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine with other medicines.
Yes, Levocetirizine+phenylephrine may cause drowsiness in some people. It is not necessary for everyone taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine to experience this side effect. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy after taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine.
You are recommended to limit your intake or avoid caffeine with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine, such as chocolate, and caffeine-containing foods like cocoa beans and tea leaves, as they may increase the risk of severe side effects.
You are recommended to take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, you are advised not to take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine for more than one week. If the symptoms persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. If you experience any difficulty while taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine, please consult your doctor.
Store Levocetirizine+phenylephrine at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Yes, the serious side effects of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine include allergic reactions, skin rash or peeling, mouth ulcers, breathing problems, unexplained bleeding, recurrent fevers or infections, vision disturbances, and a fast or irregular heartbeat. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine and consult your doctor immediately.
No, taking a higher than recommended dose of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine is not effective and may increase the risk of side effects. Always follow your doctor's prescribed dosage to ensure a safe and effective treatment.
It is not recommended to use Levocetirizine+phenylephrine if you are allergic to Levocetirizine+phenylephrine, if you have high blood pressure (hypertension), any underlying serious heart condition or cardiovascular disorder, any history of stomach ulcers or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine.
You are recommended to take the advice of your doctor before taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine if you are breastfeeding, as Levocetirizine is excreted in breast milk and may harm the baby.
The common side effects of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine are headache, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, or tiredness. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
