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Levozet (CADILA)

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Levozet (CADILA)

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Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

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.

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Overview of Levozet (CADILA)

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride
Form Oral Tablet and Oral Solution
Pharmacological class Second-Generation H1 Receptor Antagonist
Common use (General) Management of allergic symptoms
Origin Synthetic (chiral switch)
Manufacturer/Marketer Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (India)

What is Levozet and its Composition?

Levozet is a specific brand of orally administered medication, containing the active pharmaceutical ingredient Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride. This compound is a synthetic substance derived as the active R-enantiomer of Cetirizine, a process known as a chiral switch, which is intended to isolate the most therapeutically effective component. The medicine is commonly provided as a film-coated tablet and an oral solution, offering flexible administration options.

Pharmacological Class: Second-Generation H1 Antagonist

Levozet belongs to the pharmacological group of Second-Generation Antihistamines, classifying it as a selective Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonist. This means the compound works by binding to and stabilizing the peripheral H1 receptors, thereby preventing the natural biological effects of the chemical histamine. The selective nature of this second-generation agent is clinically recognized for providing potent action at the site of the allergic response while generally exhibiting low central nervous system penetration.

General Therapeutic Purpose

The fundamental therapeutic purpose of Levozet is to provide systemic relief from the physical symptoms associated with various hypersensitivity reactions, such as seasonal allergies. By selectively blocking histamine action, the medication serves to mitigate the external manifestations of allergies, including persistent itching, sneezing, and excessive discharge. This action establishes Levozet as a tool for the general management of discomfort caused by the body's unwanted allergic response.

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What side effects are possible with Levozet (CADILA)?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Contraindications and Renal Safety

Levozet (levocetirizine) is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to levocetirizine, cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any component of the formulation. It is also strictly contraindicated in patients with end-stage renal disease (creatinine clearance <10 mL/min) and in pediatric patients 6 months to 11 years of age with impaired renal function. Since the drug is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, dose adjustments are mandatory for adult and adolescent patients with mild to severe renal impairment.

Adverse Reactions by Frequency

The most commonly reported adverse reactions (ge 1/100 to <1/10) include somnolence (sleepiness), fatigue, nasopharyngitis (sore throat and nasal inflammation), dry mouth, and headache. These effects are generally mild to moderate. Uncommon reactions (ge 1/1000 to <1/100) include asthenia and abdominal pain.

Serious and Post-Marketing Safety Reports

Rare (ge 1/10,000 to le 1/1,000) serious adverse reactions include hypersensitivity reactions, convulsions, and abnormal liver function tests. Post-marketing reports have also included cases of urinary retention. Severe, widespread pruritus (itching) upon discontinuation, particularly after long-term, daily use, has also been reported as a non-frequency classified event.

Special Safety Restrictions

The drug may cause drowsiness and reduced alertness. Concurrent use with alcohol or other Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants should be avoided as this combination may result in additive reduction of alertness and further impairment of CNS performance. Caution is advised for patients with predisposing factors for urinary retention (e.g., spinal cord lesion, prostatic hyperplasia).

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Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory profile for an overdose of Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride is strictly defined by specific clinical presentations and mandated emergency responses.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

In adults, the primary symptom documented in regulatory labeling is drowsiness (somnolence). The documented presentation in children is distinct, often beginning with agitation and restlessness before the subsequent onset of drowsiness. Exposure to high doses, such as at least five times the recommended daily dose, has been associated with more severe signs, including stupor and the cardiovascular effect of tachycardia (increased heart rate).

Immediate Actions and Management

Immediate medical help is required in case of any suspected overdose. Official guidance mandates seeking emergency medical attention or contacting a Poison Control Center right away. Urgent emergency services must be called immediately if the individual collapses, has a seizure, experiences trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened.

Management is restricted to symptomatic and supportive treatment, as regulatory documents state there is no known specific antidote. Healthcare providers may consider gastric lavage for recent ingestion, and it is officially documented that the medicine is not effectively removed by haemodialysis.

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Therapeutic Uses of Levozet (CADILA)

What Levozet (CADILA) Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Levozet is a medication that may assist with symptomatic relief across therapeutic domains where symptoms are related to heightened physiological activity caused by allergens. It is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute or recurrent episodes where discomfort creates noticeable interference with daily comfort and stability.

The medication is considered relevant for managing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, including the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (hay fever, seasonal and perennial) and for allergic skin manifestations such as chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives).

Levozet is applied in addressing symptoms related to physical discomfort in the nose and eyes, such as a runny nose, repeated sneezing, nasal itching, and watery eyes, as well as skin itchiness and swelling. This supportive therapeutic benefit provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden, and may help patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations during difficult episodes.


Quick Fact: Symptomatic Relief for Allergic Episodes

Levozet may contribute to improved comfort by assisting with the management of symptoms related to physical discomfort, such as persistent itching and swelling, and is used when symptoms intensify and supportive relief is needed.

Regulatory References

  1. DailyMed official prescribing information for Levocetirizine
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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Population Eligibility and Restrictions

Levozet (Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride) is authorized for use across a wide age range but is subject to several official population restrictions defined by regulatory bodies.

Approved Eligibility

The medicine is approved for adults, adolescents (ge 12 years), and children starting from 6 months of age. Use in infants younger than six months has not been established. The film-coated tablet formulation is generally not recommended for children under six years due to the inability to adjust the dosage.

Absolute Contraindications

Levozet is strictly prohibited for patients with a known hypersensitivity to levocetirizine, cetirizine, or any related compounds. It is also contraindicated in patients with end-stage renal disease (Creatinine Clearance <10 mL/min) and in all children 6 months to 11 years with any degree of impaired renal function.

Conditional Use Status

Patients 12 years and older with mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment require dose modification. Caution is advised for older adults and those with predisposing factors for urinary retention. Furthermore, use is not recommended during breastfeeding and should be exercised with caution during pregnancy.

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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section details the officially documented interaction profile of Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride, based exclusively on government regulatory sources such as FDA and EMA prescribing information.


Interaction Scope

Category Official Label Documentation
Medicinal product categories Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
Specific interacting medicines Alcohol
Mechanistic basis Pharmacodynamic (PD) reinforcement; Pharmacokinetic (PK) clearance via active tubular secretion
Timing-based rules None explicitly documented
Population-specific notes Impaired renal function reduces clearance and increases exposure risk
Interaction-related restrictions Avoid concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS Depressants

Interaction Classifications (High-Level)

Category Regulatory Basis
Interaction severity Co-administration with alcohol/CNS depressants is advised to be avoided due to the risk of additional central impairment.
Interaction-context constraints Food alters absorption rate (Cmax is reduced) but not total systemic exposure (AUC).

Resulting Interaction Structure

  • Concurrent use of alcohol or other Central Nervous System Depressants should be avoided as this combination is documented to cause additional reduction in alertness and impairment of performance.
  • The extent of systemic exposure to Levocetirizine is not affected by co-administration with food, though the absorption rate is decreased, resulting in a reduced maximum plasma concentration.
  • Risk of adverse reactions is greater in patients with impaired renal function because the drug is substantially excreted by the kidneys, reducing clearance.
  • Regulatory studies on the parent compound, Cetirizine, documented that Ritonavir increased its plasma exposure and Theophylline caused a small decrease in its clearance.

The regulatory documents primarily define the interaction structure through a key pharmacodynamic constraint, requiring the avoidance of all CNS depressants and alcohol due to the potential for additive central impairment. Pharmacokinetic constraints are limited to specific observations of exposure modification with Ritonavir and Theophylline, and a critical note that clearance is dependent on, and reduced by, impaired renal function.

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Mechanism of Action

Pharmacological Basis: Blocking the H1 Receptor

This mechanism is defined by the drug's action as an inverse agonist targeting the H1 histamine receptor site. By binding selectively to this receptor, the drug prevents the endogenous signaling molecule, histamine, from activating its target. This fundamental molecular blockade initiates the subsequent downstream physiological effects of the molecule.

Modulating Vascular and Cellular Responses

The action on the H1 receptor directly influences two crucial physiological processes. Firstly, it prevents histamine-mediated signals that increase vascular permeability, thereby stabilizing the walls of small blood vessels and minimizing the leakage of fluid into surrounding tissues. Secondly, the mechanism contributes to the regulation of inflammatory cell migration (such as eosinophils), attenuating their movement to sites of reaction and modulating the systemic cellular response.

Resulting Physiological Effect

The combined effect of blocking the receptor and influencing the associated pathways modulates activity within hyperresponsive physiological states. This cascade, moving from the molecular blockade to the cellular regulation, modulates pathway activity in responsive tissues, resulting in the attenuation of immediate, histamine-driven physiological consequences and influencing the duration and magnitude of the overall physiological response.

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Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines

The usage of Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride, the active ingredient in Levozet, is standardized by regulatory guidelines, focusing strictly on administration route, dose, and frequency. The medicine is intended for oral intake, available as a film-coated tablet (typically 5 mg) and an oral solution. The daily dose must be consumed as a single intake and is typically recommended to be taken in the evening. Administration may occur with or without food, as the extent of absorption is not significantly affected by meals, although the rate of absorption may be slowed.


Labeled Dosing Regimens

Population Group Standard Daily Dose Special Instruction
Adults (ge 12 years) 5 mg once daily Maximum dose must not exceed 5 mg per 24 hours.
Children (6 to 11 years) 2.5 mg once daily This dose must not be exceeded. The 5 mg tablet can be broken to achieve this dose.

The standard 5 mg dose may be reduced to 2.5 mg for certain adult patients. Crucially, the dosing regimen requires individualized adjustment in the presence of renal impairment. For example, patients with moderate renal compromise (CLCR 30-50 mL/min) are directed to take 2.5 mg once every other day. In terms of duration, the medication can be used intermittently (stopped when symptoms resolve) for short-term allergic episodes or administered continuously over longer periods for persistent conditions.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Levozet (CADILA)


1. Evidence for Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Research explored the active ingredient in Levozet for allergic rhinitis, a condition characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations. Studies were relevant in trials assessing short-term or episodic symptom patterns, primarily utilizing randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs). Researchers measured changes using scales like the Total Symptom Score, which track outcomes related to physical discomfort. Studies monitored how symptoms evolved over short-term periods, typically lasting between two and six weeks. Research describes changes measured during the study period for both seasonal and perennial rhinitis, with some studies extending up to six months. Findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes, and long-term effects are not fully established.


2. Evidence for Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (Hives)

The medicine was studied for Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU), a condition where symptoms may vary in intensity and are marked by functional limitations. Research examined symptom intensity using urticaria-specific scoring systems that monitor outcomes related to physical discomfort, such as pruritus (itching) and wheals. Data show patterns related to how outcomes were observed in short-term studies, typically over four to six weeks, particularly in comparison to placebo groups. Comparative evidence is lacking against certain alternative treatment strategies.


3. Research on Long-Term Follow-up and Duration of Use

Research examined various time intervals, applied in research contexts involving fluctuating or unstable symptoms. The existing evidence structure includes studies where follow-up durations were limited, mostly focused on short-term or intermediate-term effects. This research provides context but not individual predictions about long-term use. Data are still emerging, and long-term effects are not fully established.


4. Evidence in Specific Patient Populations

Research examined patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort across various age groups. The evidence base includes studies involving adults and adolescents (12 years and older). The medicine was studied for pediatric populations (children aged 6 to 12 years) for both allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria. However, clinical research is limited for children younger than 6 years of age, and long-term effects are not fully established in this very young population.


5. Where Research Remains Uncertain or Limited

Research provides insight into short-term changes, but there are acknowledged gaps in the broader evidence landscape. There is limited information for long-term outcomes. Evidence quality varies across studies regarding certain comparative claims, and data for certain groups, specifically children under 6 years of age, remain insufficient.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Levozet (CADILA) (FAQ)


Q: Can I use this medicine if I am pregnant?

A: Official regulatory documents indicate that there are no or limited data regarding the use of Levozet during pregnancy. Studies in animals have not suggested harmful effects on the developing fetus. As a precaution, the official product information states that it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and after consulting a healthcare professional.


Q: I am breastfeeding. Can I take Levozet?

A: The active ingredient in Levozet is expected to pass into human breast milk. Due to this potential transfer, official labeling generally advises that use of the medicine is not recommended while breastfeeding. Individuals who are nursing should seek guidance from a healthcare professional, who can assess the potential risks and benefits.


Q: What is the maximum daily dose for an adult?

A: The standard and generally recommended daily dose for adults and adolescents (12 years and older) is 5 mg, taken once a day. Official regulatory documents specify that the maximum dose for this age group should not exceed 5 mg within a 24-hour period.


Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Levozet?

A: General medication guidelines from official sources often state that if a dose is missed, it can be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, the advice is to skip the one you missed and continue with the regular schedule. It is generally advised that a double dose should not be taken to compensate for the one that was missed.


Q: Is there a specific time of day I should take Levozet for the best effect?

A: The official product information generally recommends taking this medicine once daily in the evening. This recommendation is provided to help patients maintain a consistent dosing schedule and to potentially mitigate the risk of somnolence (drowsiness), which is a known side effect.


Q: What should I do if I experience severe itching after stopping the medication?

A: Official safety reports have included cases of severe, widespread itching (pruritus) that occurred after patients stopped taking the medication, especially following long-term daily use. Regulatory guidelines suggest that the symptoms may improve by restarting the medicine, or by restarting and slowly reducing the dose over time. Consultation with a healthcare professional is necessary for guidance on how to manage this reaction.


Q: Can Levozet be used for children younger than 6 years old?

A: Yes, Levozet is authorized for use in children starting from 6 months of age for appropriate indications. The dosage for children between 6 months and 5 years is different from the adult dose and is typically administered as an oral solution. The tablet form is generally not suitable for children under 6 years of age.


Q: How long does it take for Levozet to start working after I take it?

A: Studies included in the official product information indicate that symptomatic improvement has been observed. For conditions like allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria, relief was noted as early as one day after beginning the therapy.

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How should Levozet (CADILA) be stored and disposed of?

Levozet (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) must be stored according to official regulatory specifications to maintain its stability and effectiveness.

Official Storage Conditions

Requirement Regulatory Detail (Tablet Form)
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature, between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F), with permitted excursions up to 30 C.
Protection Store in a dry place, away from excess heat and moisture, and be protected from light.
Packaging Keep the medicine in its original safety-sealed container and ensure it is tightly closed.

Disposal and Safety Requirements

For safety, the product must be stored out of the reach of children. Unused or expired Levozet tablets should generally not be disposed of in wastewater or household trash unless otherwise advised by specific product labeling. When no specific instructions are provided, the official guidance is to use a drug take-back program or follow local pharmaceutical waste regulations.

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

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