Levocetirizine+phenylephrine
About
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 due to cold or hay fever. An allergy is a condition that occurs when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance that is typically not harmful to your body. These foreign substances are known as ‘allergens.’ Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever, pollen, or pet dander.
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine is a combination of two drugs: Levocetirizine (antihistamine) and Phenylephrine (decongestant). Levocetirizine belongs to the class of antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps to provide relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, and 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. You may experience headache, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, or tiredness in some cases. Most of these side effects of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve 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
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 works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps to provide relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, and congestion or stiffness. Phenylephrine belongs to the class of decongestants that works by contracting and narrowing the blood vessels. Thereby, provides relief from nasal/airways congestion and decreases mucus production.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
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 such as cocoa beans and tea leaves as they may increase the risk of severity of 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
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Levocetirizine+phenylephrine is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Levocetirizine+phenylephrine is excreted in human milk. It is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks.
Driving
cautionLevocetirizine+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 were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Add ginger to foods or tea as it contains some anti-inflammatory compounds that can relax membranes in the airways and reduce cough, irritation and swelling in 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 and raises the risk of being sick. 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 not harmful to your body. These foreign substances are known as ‘allergens.’ Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever, pollen or pet dander. One of the main symptoms of allergy is cough, and it acts as a reflex action in the throat when there is any mucus or foreign irritant entry into the respiratory system.
FAQs
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine contains Levocetirizine and Phenylephrine. Levocetirizine is an anti-allergic drug that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps to provide relief from symptoms of allergy such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, and 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 the intake or avoid caffeine with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine such as chocolate and caffeine-containing foods such as cocoa beans and tea leaves as they may increase the risk of severity of 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 1 week and if the symptoms persist or worsens, 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, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine, please consult your doctor.
