ANTIHITAMINE - LEVOCETIRIZINE

DRUG PRESENTATION ON LEVOCETIRIZINE
B.Sc. NURSING 2ND YEAR
MAHARAJA AGRASEN NURSING COLLEGE , BAHADURGARH

1. Presented by:
Ms. Priyanka
(17215)
B.Sc. Nursing 2
nd
year
MANC, Bahadurgarh

2. Antihistamines are the drugs which treat allergic
rhinitis and other allergies. People take antihistamines
as an inexpensive, generic, over-the-counter drug that
can provide relief from nasal congestion, sneezing,
or hives caused by pollen, dust mites, or animal
allergy with few side effects. Antihistamines are usually
for short-term treatment. Chronic allergies increase the
risk of health problems which antihistamines might not
treat, including asthma, sinusitis, and lower respiratory
tract infection.

4. INTRODUCTION
LEVOCETIRIZINE is 2
nd
generation Antihistaminic with affinity
for peripheral H1 receptors.
It is an enantiomer of cetirizine a racemic compound with
antihistamines properties.
 It inhibits histamine and cytotoxic mediators from platelets and
eosinophils during the secondary phase of allergic response.

6. Levocetirizine works
By blocking a chemical mediator
called
HISTAMINE from cell in our body

7. ABSORBTION:-
It is well absorbed by oral administration.
DISTRIBUTION:-
It is unknown till now.
METABOLISM:-
Metabolized by liver.
EXCRETION:-
Excreted by kidneys.
HALF-LIFE:-
7.4-9 hrs. (decreased in children to 6.2 hrs., increased in RENAL
IMPAIRMENT up to 19 to 21 hrs.)
PROTEIN BINDING:-
93%

8. Levocetirizine is used for :-
Ocular tearing(watery eyes),
rhinorrhoea,
 sneezing,
hives
 itching
Perennial Allergic rhinitis
Nasal congestion
Chronic idiopathic urticaria

9. Documented hypersensitivity of same drug.
Lower respiratory disease, such as asthma
Nursing women
Preemies and neonates
End stage renal disease (creatinine
clearance <10ml/min) or patients
undergoing haemodialysis
Children aged 6 month to 11 years with
renal impairment

10. If you have any allergies, avoid the medication because it
creates the other problems.
Before taking this drug, first discuss with doctor regarding your
medical history.
Know, what benefits and risk of this drug while taken by
women during pregnancy. This drug should be used only when it
is clearly needed.
Liquid form contains sugar. If you have diabetic issues or any
other situation that needs to limit or avoid these ingredients in
diet plan and discuss with doctors regarding the safe use of it.

11. a)CNS:- Aggression, agitation, asthenia,
fatigue, fever, seizures, somnolence,
syncope
b)CV:- Palpitations
c)EENT:-Dry mouth, epistaxis, nasopharyngitis,
d) visual disturbance
e)GI:- Hepatitis, nausea
f)MS:- Myalgia
g)RESP:- Cough, dyspnea
h)SKIN:- Pruritis
i)OTHERS: Anaphylaxis, angioedema, weight gain

12. CNS depressants:- possibly increased CNS
depression
MAO inhibitors(monoamine oxidase):- possibly
prolonged and intensified anticholinergic effects
Ritonvir :- possibly increased risk of adverse
effects of levocetirizine
 Theophylline :- possibly decreased clearance of
levocetirizine

14. 1.Assess these symptoms and record baseline data before and
after the treatment.
2.Assess respiratory status , such as wheeze or tightness of the
chest.
3.Levocetirizine is good at reducing rhinorrhea and sneezing ,
but less effective at reducing nasal congestion.
4.Other products such as eye drops and inhalers may be
required to control severe hay fever.
5.Evaluate therapeutic response.
6.If allergy-testing is planned , medication should be stopped
48 hours prior before testing.

15. They should not drive or operate
machinery because tablet may
cause drowsiness.
Encourage patient to avoid alcohol
while taking levocetirizine.
Double dose should not be taken,
in case pt. missed the dose.
Instruct patient to take drug
exactly as prescribed.
Health education advice should be
given regarding limiting exposure
to allergens.

16. Thankyou for your patience.
KEEP CALM
AND
LEARN PHARMACOLOGY