Overview of 1-AL
Quick Facts
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Levocetirizine dihydrochloride |
| Form | Oral (Film-coated tablet, Oral solution) |
| Pharmacological Class | Second-Generation Antihistamine |
| Common Purpose | Relief from allergic symptoms |
| Origin | Synthetic; l-enantiomer of Cetirizine |
What is 1-AL and What Class Does it Belong To?
1-AL is a synthetic medicinal product for systemic use whose active ingredient, Levocetirizine dihydrochloride, is classified as a Second-Generation Antihistamine. This medication is formulated for oral administration, typically available as a film-coated tablet or an oral solution. The name 1-AL is a trade name associated with this specific formulation of Levocetirizine. As a second-generation agent, this compound exhibits high selectivity for peripheral receptors, a characteristic feature that is clinically recognized for providing effective relief while mitigating the non-target effects often seen with older antihistamine classes.
The Composition of 1-AL: Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride
The substance Levocetirizine dihydrochloride is the pure, pharmacologically active l-enantiomer of Cetirizine. This means that only the mirror-image molecule responsible for the therapeutic effect has been isolated through a refinement process. The specific composition provides a distinct advantage over the racemic mixture of Cetirizine, which contains both active and relatively inactive forms, leading to highly targeted receptor affinity. The isolation of the active component enhances the specificity of the drug's action, a finding consistently supported by pharmacological studies.
How Does 1-AL Generally Relieve Allergic Symptoms?
1-AL functions as a Selective Histamine H1-Receptor Antagonist, blocking the biological effects of histamine, which is the primary chemical mediator released during an allergic reaction. The overall purpose of the medicine is to manage the physiological manifestations of allergies, such as those that might be experienced during an acute seasonal allergy episode. By interrupting the histamine cascade through this specific antagonism, the medication helps to mitigate the body's excessive response to allergens and provides general relief from associated discomforts.
Regulatory References

