Trade names Xyzal, Levazyr MedlinePlus a607056 ATC code R06AE09 (WHO) CAS ID 130018-77-8 | AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph Routes ofadministration Oral Molar mass 388.888 g/mol Protein binding 90% | |
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Pregnancycategory US: B (No risk in non-human studies) | ||
How to pronounce levocetirizine xyzal memorizing pharmacology flashcard
Levocetirizine (as levocetirizine dihydrochloride) is a third-generation non-sedative antihistamine, developed from the second-generation antihistamine cetirizine. Chemically, levocetirizine is the active enantiomer of cetirizine. It is the R-enantiomer of the cetirizine racemate. Levocetirizine is an inverse agonist that decreases activity at histamine H1 receptors. This in turn prevents the release of other allergy chemicals and increased blood supply to the area, and provides relief from the typical symptoms of hay fever. It does not prevent the actual release of histamine from mast cells.
Contents
- How to pronounce levocetirizine xyzal memorizing pharmacology flashcard
- History
- Brand names
- Side effects
- Research
- Availability
- References
The manufacturers claim it to be more effective with fewer side effects than the second-generation drugs; however, there have been no published studies supporting this assertion. A study part-funded by the manufacturer UCB concluded it may be more effective than some other second- and third-generation anti-histamines, but didn't compare it to cetirizine.
History
Levocetirizine was first launched in 2001 by Belgian pharmaceutical company UCB.
Brand names
It is sold under the brand names:
Side effects
Levocetirizine is called a non-sedating antihistamine as it does not enter the brain in significant amounts, and is therefore unlikely to cause drowsiness. However, some people may experience some slight sleepiness, headache, mouth dryness, lightheadedness, vision problems (mainly blurred vision), palpitations and fatigue.
Research
Latest research shows levocetirizine reduces asthma attacks by 70% in children.
Availability
The drug is currently available by prescription in the United States. On 31 January 2017, the Food and Drug Administration approved Xyzal as an over-the-counter drug. Although the drug was only authorized by the FDA on 25 May 2007, it was already available in most European countries. Like many new drugs it entered the market at a higher price than currently available third and second generation antihistamines. In India, one form of the drug is available as Crohist MK tablets and syrup, a formulation of levocetirizine hydrochloride and montelukast. In India, Crohist MK is a Schedule 'H' drug and may only be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner. In Finland, Hungary, China, and Kuwait the drug is sold over-the-counter.