Аллервэй

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Аллервэй

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Аллервэй

What is Аллервэй?

Аллервэй is a brand name for a medication whose active ingredient is levocetirizine dihydrochloride. Levocetirizine is classified as a second-generation H1-antihistamine.


Mechanism of Action

As an antihistamine, levocetirizine works by selectively blocking the histamine H1 receptor. Histamine is a natural substance released by the body (specifically by mast cells and basophils) during an allergic reaction, which binds to H1 receptors and triggers symptoms like sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. By preventing histamine from binding to these receptors, levocetirizine helps to alleviate the symptoms of allergic conditions. It is the active, R-enantiomer of the drug cetirizine.


Approved Uses

Levocetirizine is indicated for the treatment of symptoms associated with various allergic conditions in adults and children, including:

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
  • Perennial allergic rhinitis (year-round allergies)
  • Chronic idiopathic urticaria (long-term hives of unknown cause)

These uses cover the relief of common allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and itching or rash from hives.

What side effects are possible with Аллервэй?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

This section describes the officially documented adverse reactions and safety characteristics of levocetirizine dihydrochloride (Аллервэй), based on authoritative regulatory classifications.


Adverse Reaction Scope

Classification Examples of Documented Effects (System-Organ-Class)
Common (ge 1/100) Nervous System (Somnolence, Headache, Fatigue); Gastrointestinal (Dry mouth)
Uncommon (ge 1/1,000) General Disorders (Asthenia/Weakness); Gastrointestinal (Abdominal pain)
Rare (ge 1/10,000) Immune System (Hypersensitivity reactions); Cardiac (Tachycardia); Hepatobiliary (Abnormal liver function tests)

Serious Adverse Reactions

Regulatory documents identify rare, clinically significant adverse events including anaphylaxis and severe hypersensitivity reactions, convulsions (seizures), reports of hepatitis, and instances of suicidal ideation.

Safety Patterns and Constraints

  • Population-Specific Considerations: The medicine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to its compounds and in individuals with end-stage renal disease (creatinine clearance <10 mL/min). Caution is advised for older adults and those with predisposing factors for urinary retention (e.g., prostatic hyperplasia). Pediatric patients have occasionally reported paradoxical effects such as agitation.
  • Exposure-Related Patterns: Somnolence is often reported as being more frequent at the start of treatment. Furthermore, rebound pruritus (severe itching) has been noted in official reports upon discontinuation of the medication, typically following long-term use.

The official safety information structures the understanding of risks by clearly segmenting effects by frequency, identifying physiological systems involved, and explicitly listing serious reactions, ensuring that both frequent, non-severe effects and rare, clinically significant events are formally documented. Population-specific statements further delineate the circumstances under which the drug's use is contraindicated or requires specific consideration.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

If an overdose of Аллервэй (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) is suspected, urgent medical attention must be sought immediately. All suspected cases require professional evaluation.

The officially documented clinical manifestations of overdose primarily involve the Central Nervous System (CNS) effects, as described in regulatory labeling. In adults, the most reported symptom of an overdose is pronounced drowsiness (somnolence).

A distinct symptom profile is documented for the pediatric population. In children, an overdose may present with an initial phase characterized by agitation and restlessness, which is subsequently followed by pronounced drowsiness. This biphasic presentation differs from the typical adult experience.

Management Protocol and Constraints

Management of a levocetirizine overdose is limited to symptomatic and supportive treatment, as directed by official prescribing information. This approach is mandated due to two key constraints defined in the regulatory profile:

  • Antidote: No specific antidote for levocetirizine is known or documented.
  • Removal: The official labeling explicitly states that levocetirizine is not effectively removed by dialysis, making this procedure generally ineffective for drug removal.

The regulatory profile thus emphasizes supportive care for the documented CNS manifestations given the absence of targeted reversal agents and the limited procedural options.

Therapeutic Uses of Аллервэй

Levocetirizine is indicated for conditions including Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, Perennial Allergic Rhinitis, and Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU). It is commonly used when symptom clusters such as nasal discharge, persistent sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes create noticeable interference with daily functioning. The medication assists in managing dermal discomfort related to hives and generalized itching.

Quick Fact: Support for Continuous Discomfort

The medication is relevant in clinical settings requiring supportive symptom management for both acute and chronic contexts, contributing to easing the overall symptom load.

“It is commonly used when symptom patterns cluster into phases requiring stabilization, assisting with maintaining functional stability when symptoms may interfere with routine activities.”

Аллервэй provides long-acting symptomatic support, assists with maintaining functional stability when symptoms may interfere with routine activities, and may contribute to improved day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

This information is strictly based on official regulatory documents for the active ingredient, levocetirizine.

Populations Allowed and Contraindicated

The medicine may be used by adults and children ge 6 months of age without contraindications, though age-specific formulations and dosing apply. Use is contraindicated (must not be used) in the following groups, as defined by regulatory agencies:

  • Hypersensitivity: Individuals with a known allergy to levocetirizine, to any inactive ingredient in the product, or to cetirizine (a related antihistamine).
  • Severe Renal Disease: Patients with end-stage renal disease (creatinine clearance [ CL CR] < 10 mL/ min) or those undergoing hemodialysis.
  • Pediatric Renal Impairment: Children 6 months to 11 years of age with any degree of impaired renal function.

Eligibility Restrictions and Special Considerations

Use in patients with renal impairment (excluding end-stage disease) requires adjustment of the dosage based on the degree of kidney function, effectively restricting and limiting use in this population. For older adults (ge 65 years), caution is recommended, and dosage selection should be carefully considered, often starting at the low end of the dosing range, due to the higher likelihood of decreased renal function.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section describes officially documented interaction patterns for levocetirizine dihydrochloride, the active ingredient in Аллервэй, as stated in government regulatory labeling.

Pharmacodynamic and Substance Interactions

Co-administration with alcohol and other Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants (such as sedatives or hypnotics) should be avoided. Regulatory documents state that this combination may lead to additive impairment of CNS performance and a resulting reduction in alertness. Levocetirizine is widely metabolized to a low extent and is considered unlikely to produce clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions through inhibition or induction of liver drug-metabolizing enzymes.

Pharmacokinetic and Exposure Modification

Interaction studies with the racemate, cetirizine, provide insight into potential clearance alterations. Co-administration of the racemate with Ritonavir resulted in a 42% increase in the racemate's plasma exposure (AUC) and a reduction in its clearance. A small decrease in the racemate’s clearance was also observed with Theophylline co-administration. Food intake does not alter the overall extent of drug exposure (AUC) but is documented to delay the time to maximum concentration (Tmax).

Interaction-Related Restrictions

Use is contraindicated in patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), defined as an estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) below 15 mL/min. Dosage intervals for the drug must be individualized in all patients with any degree of impaired renal function due to the drug’s primary route of elimination.

Mechanism of Action

Receptor Blockade: Targeting the Histamine Pathway

This mechanism is defined by the drug's primary action: engaging the histamine H1 receptors to stabilize them in an inactive state . This interaction prevents the body's natural histamine molecule from binding and initiating subsequent signaling via the receptor.

Modulating the Inflammatory Cascade

The molecular blockade of the H1 receptor modifies the overall acute inflammatory cascade. By interrupting the histamine-mediated pathway, the drug modulates the subsequent release of other pro-inflammatory mediators from activated cells. This targeted interference reduces the magnitude of signaling propagation across the local tissue environment.

Physiologic Alteration of Vascular and Nerve Activity

The resulting system-level consequence is the alteration of vascular permeability and the attenuation of sensory nerve stimulation. By limiting the signaling that causes small blood vessels to loosen, the mechanism decreases the incidence of increased capillary leakage. Simultaneously, this action decreases the incidence of afferent nerve signaling.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines

Аллервэй (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) is administered exclusively through the oral route, available as both film-coated tablets and an oral solution (2.5 mg/5 mL). The general principle of use is a once-daily regimen, which may be adjusted for specific patient populations.


Standard Dosing and Timing

The recommended dose for adults and adolescents (≥ 12 years of age) is 5 mg taken once daily. A lower dose of 2.5 mg once daily may be used if adequate control is achieved. Regardless of the dose chosen, the medication is typically recommended to be taken in the evening.

Administration is independent of meal times, meaning it can be taken with or without food. For the tablet form, the 5 mg tablet is scored, allowing for the precise administration of the 2.5 mg dose when indicated.


Use Patterns and Adjustments

  • Duration of Use: Treatment for chronic conditions, such as chronic idiopathic urticaria or persistent allergic rhinitis, may involve continuous therapy for 6 months or longer. For seasonal or intermittent allergic rhinitis, treatment may be stopped when symptoms subside and restarted when symptoms recur.

  • Renal Impairment: Because the medicine is primarily cleared by the kidneys, dosage must be modified based on kidney function in patients ≥ 12 years of age. For instance, individuals with moderate renal impairment (CLCR 30–50 mL/min) are recommended to take a dose of 2.5 mg once every other day, while those with end-stage renal disease (CLCR < 10 mL/min) should not receive the medication.

  • Hepatic Impairment: No dose adjustment is specified for patients with isolated hepatic impairment.

  • Pediatric Use: The recommended dose of 2.5 mg once daily for children aged 6 to 11 years should not be exceeded, as a higher dose results in systemic exposure approximately twice that of adults at the 5 mg dose.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Аллервэй

Evidence for Symptoms of Seasonal and Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

The research for Аллервэй (levocetirizine) was evaluated in research exploring how symptoms change over time in conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations like hay fever and year-round allergies. The evidence base primarily consists of short-term, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. These studies was evaluated in research exploring outcomes related to physical discomfort, such as sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. Research also explored outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level, collecting data on patient-reported Quality of Life (QoL).

Findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to the measured changes in core nasal and ocular symptom severity over time intervals up to six months. Research highlights changes measured during the study period for outcomes linked to physical discomfort and overall functional stability. These findings help contextualize what has been observed so far, but research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly.

Evidence for Symptoms of Chronic Hives (Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria)

For conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes like Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU), research primarily involved controlled trials focusing on episodes where symptoms become more noticeable. This research examined outcomes related to physical discomfort, specifically focusing on the measurement of changes in Pruritus (itching) severity scores and the recorded number and size of Wheals (hives or rash).

Studies focusing on episodes where symptoms become more noticeable over defined time intervals (typically 4 to 6 weeks) reported how symptoms evolved in the observed populations. Data show patterns related to the monitored changes in patient-assessed itching and the physical manifestations of the condition. Comparative studies against other second-generation antihistamines was observed in research exploring short-term symptom changes.

Evidence Gaps and Areas for Future Study

Based on the research landscape, several areas remain where more extensive data is needed to further contextualize the evidence. Follow-up durations were limited for both chronic allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria, meaning there is limited information for long-term outcomes and maintenance management over several years. Additionally, comparative evidence is lacking in certain areas, and data for certain groups remain limited, with subgroup findings uncertain concerning patients with various comorbidities. These research limitations mean that while evidence contributes to understanding symptom patterns, study results reflect the specific conditions under which they were conducted.

Key Studies & References

  1. Levocetirizine: Review of its Use in the Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Аллервэй (FAQ)


Q: Can Allerway be taken during pregnancy?

Official regulatory documents indicate that there are no adequate and well-controlled studies conducted on this medication in pregnant women. For this reason, official information states that the medication should only be used during pregnancy if its use is considered clearly necessary.


Q: Can Allerway be taken while breastfeeding?

Regulatory summaries mention that the active substance in Allerway is expected to pass into human milk, as a related drug (cetirizine) is known to do so. Use in nursing mothers is generally not recommended in official product information. The decision to use this medication during breastfeeding is a matter to be discussed with a healthcare provider, considering the mother’s therapeutic need and the infant's exposure.


Q: Are there known cases of Allerway overdose and what are the dangers?

Official safety summaries note that if a patient were to experience an overdose, the primary symptom reported is typically excessive drowsiness. In children, agitation and restlessness may sometimes occur before the onset of drowsiness, according to official reports.


Q: Does Allerway contain hormones?

No, the official drug description does not classify Allerway's active ingredient as a steroid or hormone. It is classified as a second-generation H1-antihistamine, which works by blocking a specific type of receptor in the body that responds to histamine.


Q: Does Allerway affect blood test results?

Official documents include post-marketing reports of adverse reactions that can be detected through laboratory testing. These include rare reports of abnormal liver function tests and very rare reports of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which are changes noted in blood work.


Q: What is the maximum duration of treatment with Allerway?

Clinical experience with the 5 mg tablet for chronic conditions, such as persistent allergic rhinitis, is available for a six-month treatment period. For the parent compound (cetirizine), clinical data extends up to one year of continuous use for chronic hives and allergic rhinitis.


Q: Can Allerway be used for allergy prevention?

The official approved uses for Allerway focus on the treatment of symptoms associated with various allergic conditions, such as hay fever and hives. Regulatory documents indicate its purpose is symptomatic relief rather than for preventing the initial occurrence of allergies.


Q: In which countries is Allerway approved for sale?

Regulatory records confirm the drug (levocetirizine) is approved for use in the US (FDA) and European countries (EMA), among others. This indicates the medication is officially sanctioned for sale in major global markets.


Q: Can Allerway interact with herbal remedies or supplements?

Official regulatory information specifically lists interactions with alcohol, certain CNS depressants, Ritonavir, and Theophylline. Regulatory documentation suggests the potential for additive impairment when combined with substances affecting the Central Nervous System, even if not explicitly listed.


Q: How strong is the anti-allergic effect of Allerway?

Regulatory documents describe the active substance as a potent and selective antagonist of peripheral H1-receptors. The mechanism of action is described as a potent and selective antagonist, meaning it strongly engages the H1-receptors to achieve its anti-allergic effect.


Q: What is the role of the active substance in the mechanism of action of Allerway?

The active substance in Allerway, levocetirizine, works by selectively binding to and blocking the histamine H1 receptor. This action prevents the natural chemical histamine, released during an allergic reaction, from binding to the receptors and triggering common allergy symptoms.


Q: Is a doctor's prescription needed to buy Allerway?

The need for a prescription varies by country and by the specific formulation or strength of the medication. This is determined by local regulatory authorities, which means the drug may be sold over-the-counter in some regions and require a prescription in others.


Q: Does Allerway contain lactose or other allergens?

Official labeling, particularly for the tablet formulation, lists lactose monohydrate as one of the inactive ingredients. Official labeling contains the full ingredient list for those needing to check for known hypersensitivity or allergies to inactive ingredients.


Q: What is the probability of developing an allergy to Allerway itself?

Regulatory classification indicates that hypersensitivity reactions (allergies to the drug itself) are considered rare adverse effects. Official documents classify this effect, meaning it is observed in a very small fraction of patients based on clinical and post-marketing data.


Q: Are there studies on the safety of long-term use of Allerway?

Official documents cite clinical experience with the 5 mg tablet that spans up to six months of treatment. While this provides data on medium-term use, the official evidence summaries indicate that information regarding continuous use over periods extending beyond several years is limited.


Q: Can Allerway affect blood pressure?

Post-marketing safety surveillance has included rare reports of cardiovascular events. These reports include instances of severe hypotension (low blood pressure) and tachycardia (fast heart rate) which are related to circulatory function.


Q: What safety information about Allerway is available on official regulatory websites?

Extensive safety information is made available across various government health websites, such as the FDA and EMA. This information typically covers essential details like contraindications (who should not use the drug), warnings and precautions, and a detailed list of adverse reactions classified by frequency.

How should Аллервэй be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Аллервэй?

The storage and disposal of Аллервэй (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) are governed by official regulatory requirements to ensure product quality and environmental safety. These rules are mandatory, as defined in government-approved labeling.

Official Storage Requirements

Condition Regulatory Requirement
Temperature Store at controlled room temperature, specifically between 20^circ and 25 C (68^circ and 77 F).
Protection Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Container Do not use if the product is past its expiry date or if the original safety seal is torn or missing.

Official Disposal Instructions

To prevent environmental contamination, the medicine must not be thrown away via wastewater or household waste.

Any unused or expired product must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements, typically by consulting a pharmacist for guidance on medicine take-back programs.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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