— Product
CETCROSS L (RED)
LEVOCETIRIZINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE IP 5MG
CETCROSS L (RED) is a tablet of levocetirizine dihydrochloride 5 mg, the active isomer of cetirizine. It is used for allergic rhinitis, hay fever, chronic urticaria and allergic skin conditions, providing the antihistamine effect of cetirizine with less sedation.
01
Benefits
- Levocetirizine is the active enantiomer of cetirizine, giving equivalent effect at half the dose.
- Generally causes less drowsiness than cetirizine, which suits patients who need to drive or work.
- Once-daily dosing gives twenty-four-hour cover in seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.
- Effective first-line treatment in chronic urticaria, suitable for long-term use under supervision.
- Onset is usually within an hour.
02
Side effects
Not everyone gets these. Most are mild and settle as the course finishes.
Common
- Drowsiness, though generally less than with cetirizine
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Headache
Less common
- Dizziness
- Abdominal discomfort or nausea
- Difficulty passing urine
- Agitation, particularly in children
Stop and get medical help if any of these occur
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing
- Severe drowsiness or confusion
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Inability to pass urine
- Widespread rash with blistering or peeling skin
03
Precautions
- May still cause drowsiness in some patients. Warn before driving or operating machinery until the effect is known.
- Avoid alcohol and other sedatives, whose effects are additive.
- Dose reduction is required in renal impairment; contraindicated in end-stage renal disease.
- Use with caution in urinary retention, significant prostatic enlargement and narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Stop several days before allergy skin testing.
- Do not take alongside cetirizine — they are the same drug and the doses add up.
- Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding only on medical advice.