Levocetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat[1]. It is also used to reduce skin itching and hives, especially for people with chronic idiopathic urticaria (a condition characterized by chronic hives without a known cause)[1].
The medication is effective for treating:
- Allergic rhinitis (including both seasonal and perennial types), which frequently causes a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes or throat[3][4][5].
- Chronic idiopathic urticaria, to manage symptoms such as itching and hives[3][1][6].
Levocetirizine acts by blocking the effect of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms and reactions[1].
References
- [1] Levocetirizine (Xyzal): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions — WebMD
- [3] Levocetirizine — Wikipedia
- [4] XYZAL (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) Label — FDA
- [5] Levocetirizine: uses, dosing, warnings, adverse events, interactions — MedCentral
- [6] Levocetirizine: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action — DrugBank