Levozet M

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Levozet M

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

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.

Overview of Levozet M

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Levocetirizine, Montelukast
Form Fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet
Pharmacological class Antihistamine-leukotriene receptor antagonist combination
Common use Modulation of allergic and inflammatory symptoms
Origin Synthetic compounds

What Type of Medicine is Levozet M?

Levozet M is defined as a fixed-dose combination (FDC) preparation designed for oral use, which integrates two distinct active ingredients into a single medication. It is categorized as an Antihistamine-leukotriene receptor antagonist combination, positioning it as an antiallergic agent. Both components are synthetic compounds developed through pharmaceutical chemistry, intended for systemic administration in the body. This FDC tablet design is intended for managing persistent allergic conditions when a single agent is insufficient.

The Composition and Origin: Levocetirizine and Montelukast

The preparation contains two active ingredients: Levocetirizine dihydrochloride and Montelukast sodium. Levocetirizine is classified as a potent, selective Histamine H1-receptor antagonist, while Montelukast functions as a Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist (CysLT1). The combination of a Piperazine derivative and a Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist ensures that two primary inflammatory pathways are targeted concurrently. The formulation typically holds a Prescription-only Medicine (Rx) status due to the potent, combined action of its components.

What is the General Purpose of This Combination?

The general purpose of this FDC is to leverage the synergistic action of its two components to address the dual biochemical pathways that drive allergic and inflammatory states. The preparation is fundamentally designed to provide relief by mitigating both the effects mediated by histamine and the inflammatory and constrictive processes driven by leukotrienes. This strategic approach ensures that the medicine helps modulate the complex physiological changes associated with chronic allergic conditions.

Regulatory References

  1. Levocetirizine: MedlinePlus Drug Information

What side effects are possible with Levozet M?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of this combination medicine, Levozet M (levocetirizine and montelukast), is primarily based on the known risks of its individual components. All documented side effects and safety information are strictly derived from governmental regulatory documents.


Adverse Reactions and Safety

Commonly Reported Adverse Reactions:

The most frequently reported side effects include Central Nervous System (CNS) effects such as sleepiness (somnolence), dizziness, and fatigue. Other common reactions involve the gastrointestinal system, such as dry mouth and abdominal pain, as well as general symptoms like headache and cough.

Serious and Clinically Significant Adverse Reactions:

Official labeling includes a warning for potential neuropsychiatric events, which may be serious and require immediate medical evaluation. These rare but significant effects include changes in behavior and mood, such as agitation, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, nightmares, and irritability. Additionally, reports of severe hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis and angioedema) have been noted.

Restrictions and Contraindications:

  • Severe Renal Impairment: The drug is contraindicated in patients with severe renal disease (creatinine clearance <10 ml/ min), as levocetirizine is primarily excreted by the kidneys, increasing the risk of accumulation and side effects.
  • Hypersensitivity: Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to levocetirizine, montelukast, or its parent compound, cetirizine.
  • Activities Requiring Alertness: Caution must be exercised when driving or operating machinery due to the risk of drowsiness. Concomitant use with alcohol or other CNS depressants is specifically cautioned against as it may increase impairment of alertness.
  • Urinary Risk: Use with caution in patients with factors predisposing to urinary retention (e.g., spinal cord lesion, prostatic hyperplasia).

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official documentation for this fixed-dose combination (FDC) emphasizes that specific overdose data for the Levozet M product itself is often not available. Therefore, the official regulatory profile is based on the known overdose manifestations of its individual components, Levocetirizine and Montelukast, which primarily involve central nervous system and gastrointestinal disturbances.

When an overdose of Levozet M is suspected, immediate medical attention must be sought. This action is mandated by regulatory authorities because the required management is symptomatic and supportive treatment, which necessitates supervision by healthcare professionals.

Component Documented Overdose Manifestations
Montelukast Abdominal pain, somnolence (drowsiness), thirst, headache, vomiting, psychomotor hyperactivity.
Levocetirizine (Adults) Drowsiness.
Levocetirizine (Children) Initial agitation and restlessness, followed by drowsiness.

Regulatory constraints confirm that there is no known specific antidote for the Levocetirizine component. Additionally, neither Levocetirizine nor Montelukast are effectively removed from the body by routine dialysis procedures. The need for immediate help is based on the necessity for managing these documented clinical symptoms and providing procedural support.

Therapeutic Uses of Levozet M

What Levozet M Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

This medication is commonly used to help manage the symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states associated with persistent allergic conditions. Its therapeutic relevance covers allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial), chronic idiopathic urticaria, and supportive management for mild to moderate persistent asthma and symptoms associated with exercise-induced breathing difficulty.

This medication is commonly used to help address rapid-onset symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching, and watery/itchy eyes, and is relevant for easing nasal congestion. This supportive relief contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms and supports maintaining functional stability.

“This approach is relevant when symptoms become more noticeable and create noticeable physiological strain, often in scenarios requiring additional management of discomfort.”

Levozet M is applied in addressing the symptom load by helping ease the intensity of itching and managing the manifestation of associated hives in chronic skin reactions. For respiratory support, the medication is commonly used for the long-term symptomatic support of symptoms that interfere with daily functioning in patients with co-occurring allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Quick Fact: Support for Persistent Symptoms
Primary Focus Nasal, Ocular, and Cutaneous symptoms
Benefit Helps ease the overall symptom burden
Typical Use Recurrent or long-term allergic manifestations

Regulatory References

  1. FDA Verification Portal

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

This section outlines the eligibility criteria for Levozet M (Levocetirizine/Montelukast) strictly based on official government regulatory documents.

Contraindications (Must Not Use)

Use of this medicine is strictly prohibited in patients with:

  • Known hypersensitivity or allergy to montelukast, levocetirizine, or any related derivatives like cetirizine or hydroxyzine.
  • Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 10 mL/min) or End-Stage Renal Disease requiring dialysis.
  • Certain rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption (due to tablet excipients).
  • Children aged 6 to 11 years with impaired renal function (based on levocetirizine labeling).

Restricted or Conditional Use

Age: The film-coated tablet formulation is not recommended for children under 6 years of age, as the dosage cannot be appropriately adjusted. Use in adolescents and adults is generally permitted, with caution in the elderly.

Organ Function: Patients with mild to moderate renal impairment require dose adjustment. Caution is also advised in patients with predisposing factors for urinary retention or those with hepatic impairment (as montelukast is primarily excreted via bile).

Pregnancy and Lactation: Use of the combination is not generally recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It should only be used if considered clearly essential, as levocetirizine is excreted in breast milk.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The interaction profile for Levozet M (Levocetirizine and Montelukast) is defined by specific pharmacokinetic alterations and pharmacodynamic risks documented in regulatory labeling. Co-administration with certain medicinal products can significantly modify the plasma exposure of the active ingredients.

Pharmacokinetic and Metabolic Interactions

Interacting Substance Official Interaction Outcome
Phenobarbital Decreases the plasma AUC (exposure) of Montelukast by approximately 40% due to enzyme induction.
Ritonavir Increases the plasma AUC of the antihistamine component by approximately 42% and reduces its clearance.
Rifampicin This potent enzyme inducer requires specific clinical monitoring when co-administered with the Montelukast component.

Pharmacodynamic and Substance Restrictions

Co-administration with Alcohol and other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants should be avoided due to the documented risk of additional impairment of CNS performance and reductions in alertness. Furthermore, patients with known aspirin sensitivity must continue to avoid Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs) while taking the Montelukast component.

Taking the product with food is documented to decrease the rate of absorption of the Levocetirizine component, although the total extent of absorption remains unchanged. The combination product is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 10 mL/min) and those with certain hereditary problems related to excipients. Caution is to be exercised in patients with hepatic impairment.

Mechanism of Action

How Levozet M Works: Dual Pathway Antagonism

Levozet M achieves its effect through the coordinated antagonism of two distinct chemical signaling systems that drive the inflammatory response: the histamine pathway and the cysteinyl leukotriene pathway. The drug's mechanism is confined primarily to peripheral tissues, reflecting its low blood-brain barrier permeability.

Targeting the Immediate Histamine H1-Receptor Response

Levocetirizine acts as a selective competitive antagonist at the Peripheral Histamine H1-Receptor (H1R). By blocking this receptor, the molecule prevents endogenous histamine from increasing capillary permeability and stimulating sensory nerves. This mechanism directly contributes to modulating vascular fluid dynamics and altering the signal output and resulting rapid physiological changes in mucosal and dermal tissues.

Inhibiting the Chronic Leukotriene CysLT1 Signal

Montelukast functions as a selective antagonist of the Cysteinyl Leukotriene Receptor Type 1 (CysLT1), blocking the binding of inflammatory lipids like LTD4. This action is crucial for modulating smooth muscle contraction in the airways and modulating the migration of key inflammatory cells, such as eosinophils. The resulting physiological adjustment contributes to the alteration of the physiological state against persistent inflammation and constriction in the respiratory system.

Complementary Modulation

This concurrent antagonism across two distinct physiological pathways ensures engagement of mechanisms that regulate both the rapid H1R signaling and the delayed CysLT1 signaling, contributing to the simultaneous and sustained alteration of the physiological state across multiple systems.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Instructions

Levozet M is an oral fixed-dose combination (5 mg Levocetirizine and 10 mg Montelukast) tablet, and its administration is guided by a specific dosage and schedule.

Standard Dosing and Schedule

Instruction Category Guideline
Route of Administration The medication is taken by oral administration only.
Standard Adult Dose One tablet (5 mg/ 10 mg FDC) is the recommended dose once daily for adults and adolescents age 15 years and older.
Dosing Frequency The tablet should be taken once daily, typically in the evening.

Administration Conditions and Adjustments

  • Intake Instructions: The film-coated tablet must be swallowed whole with liquid and should not be crushed or chewed. It may be taken with or without food.
  • Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, the general protocol is to skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time; a double dose should not be taken.
  • Pediatric Use: The FDC 5 mg/ 10 mg tablet is not recommended for children under 6 years of age due to the inability to achieve appropriate dose adaptation for this population.
  • Renal Impairment: Dosing intervals require individualization in patients with renal impairment due to the Levocetirizine component, and the medication is contraindicated in patients with severe renal failure (CLcr < 10 mL/min).

These instructions define the structured, once-daily protocol for administering the medication, establishing parameters for the physical route of intake, timing, and necessary adjustments for patients with reduced kidney function.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for Use in Allergic Rhinitis (Seasonal and Perennial)

Research has studied the combination of levocetirizine and montelukast in individuals with allergic rhinitis, a condition characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations involving nasal and eye symptoms. These investigations have primarily used short-term, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. The outcomes studied for this combination were focused on composite measures like the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), individual symptom severity, and functional metrics such as patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies over short-term observation intervals. This evidence describes observations in populations with conditions involving periods of heightened symptoms.

Despite the existing research, long-term effects are not fully established. Because the follow-up durations were limited in most key comparative trials, there is limited information for long-term outcomes. Furthermore, evidence comparing the combination to established single-ingredient options is limited.

Evidence for Patients with Allergic Rhinitis and Co-occurring Asthma

Specific studies were conducted during periods of increased symptom activity to look at the combination in a particular population: individuals who experience both allergic rhinitis and mild to moderate persistent asthma. These short-term RCTs were evaluated in adults. Researchers monitored both nasal symptoms and outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance in the lower airways, such as lung function measurements. Findings indicate changes measured in the outcomes related to physical discomfort (nasal scores) over a four-week observation period when compared against monotherapy. Results apply only to the populations studied, and long-term effects are not fully established for the ongoing management of these chronic, co-existing conditions marked by functional limitations.

Research Gaps and Unanswered Questions

The evidence highlights what is known — and what is still uncertain. Key research limitations include the fact that follow-up durations were limited, leaving long-term effects not fully established. Evidence quality varies across studies, and some conclusions are drawn from trials where sample sizes were modest. Comparative evidence is limited, meaning the evidence for its role relative to other treatment options is still emerging. These findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes, and research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Levozet M (FAQ)

Q: Can I take Levozet M every day, or is it only for when symptoms flare up?

A: Levozet M is intended for once-daily dosing. Official guidelines for the levocetirizine component state that for persistent, year-round allergies, continuous daily therapy is described for use over the duration of exposure. For seasonal or intermittent allergies, treatment can be initiated when symptoms appear and discontinued when symptoms resolve, according to the approved treatment pattern.


Q: Is Levozet M safe for older adults to take?

A: Use of Levozet M is generally permitted in older adults, but regulatory caution is advised. This is primarily because the levocetirizine component is removed from the body by the kidneys. Older patients with moderate or severe kidney (renal) impairment may require adjustment of the administration pattern.


Q: What is the longest time frame studies have examined Levozet M use for?

A: Clinical experience with the levocetirizine component is documented for continuous treatment periods of at least six months for allergic rhinitis. However, key clinical trials using the combination product are generally short-term studies, and long-term effects are still being evaluated.


Q: Why is Levozet M sometimes prescribed alongside asthma treatments?

A: The Montelukast component of Levozet M is approved for the long-term management of asthma. The combination product has been studied in individuals who experience both allergic rhinitis and co-occurring asthma. It is important to note that this medicine is not intended to be used as a replacement for inhaled or oral corticosteroids.


Q: Is it true that taking Levozet M at night can help with sleep?

A: The tablet is typically advised to be taken once daily in the evening. This timing is often recommended because sleepiness (somnolence) is a commonly reported side effect of the levocetirizine component. Taking the dose in the evening is aligned with the potential for drowsiness as a side effect, which may reduce its impact on daytime alertness.


Q: What age group is Levozet M generally studied for?

A: The Levozet M combination tablet is recommended for adults and adolescents aged 15 years and older. Clinical data on the components show efficacy and safety in trials involving adults and children aged six years and older. However, the specific fixed-dose tablet is not suitable for young children due to dosing constraints.


Q: What is the relationship between Levozet M and asthma?

A: The Montelukast component is used for the long-term maintenance of asthma. The combination product has been studied in patients who experience both allergic rhinitis and co-occurring mild to moderate persistent asthma. This dual action helps address symptoms in both the upper and lower airways.


Q: What is the main difference between Levozet M and a standard allergy pill?

A: Levozet M provides dual-action coverage against allergic symptoms. Standard allergy pills primarily contain an antihistamine (like Levocetirizine), which blocks the rapid reaction pathway. Levozet M also includes a leukotriene receptor antagonist (Montelukast) to target the separate, delayed inflammatory pathway, offering complementary modulation.


Q: Is Levozet M used for treating long-term allergies or only seasonal ones?

A: According to official product information, the active ingredients are approved for treating both Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (SAR), which involves symptoms occurring during specific seasons, and Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR), which covers symptoms experienced year-round.


Q: How quickly should I expect Levozet M to start working?

A: Studies indicate that the antihistamine component (Levocetirizine) has a fast onset of action. Relief for allergy symptoms is described as being present as early as one hour after drug intake in clinical trial data for the antihistamine component.


Q: Why do some people say Levozet M makes them sleepy, but others don't?

A: While sleepiness (somnolence) is a common side effect of Levocetirizine, regulatory data suggests that an individual's response to the drug can vary widely. Some clinical studies observed no impairment in mental alertness at the recommended dose, demonstrating this individual variability.


Q: Does Levozet M interact with common pain relievers like ibuprofen?

A: Regulatory labeling states that individuals with a known history of sensitivity to aspirin or other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) should continue avoiding those medicines while taking the Montelukast component. This warning is based on the component's underlying mechanism.


Q: Is Levozet M used to treat skin conditions like hives?

A: The levocetirizine component of the fixed-dose combination is approved in various regions for the treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria, which is the medical term for persistent hives. This means the drug's components have an established use for these types of skin symptoms.


Q: Does Levozet M contain steroids?

A: No. Levozet M is classified as an Antihistamine and a Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist combination. It does not contain any corticosteroids.


Q: What happens if I stop taking Levozet M suddenly?

A: Regulatory warnings for the Montelukast component advise that neuropsychiatric events have been reported to occur both during treatment and after stopping the drug. Official guidance indicates that treatment should not be discontinued without consultation with a healthcare provider.


Q: Is it normal to feel a bit restless after taking Levozet M?

A: Some individuals may experience feelings of restlessness. Restlessness and agitation are listed as uncommon but possible adverse reactions reported in the official regulatory documents for the active components.


Q: Do you need a prescription for Levozet M?

A: Yes. This combination product, due to the potent and combined actions of its components, is typically categorized as a Prescription-only Medicine (Rx).


Q: How is Levozet M different from just taking levocetirizine alone?

A: The difference is the addition of the Montelukast component. This component functions as a leukotriene receptor antagonist that blocks a different inflammatory pathway than the antihistamine alone, thereby providing a dual therapeutic approach.


Q: What is the typical duration of effect for a single dose of Levozet M?

A: The levocetirizine component has demonstrated effects that last for 24 hours in studies, which is the basis for the recommended once-daily dosing schedule.


Q: Is Levozet M commonly used for non-allergy related symptoms?

A: Levozet M is indicated for conditions related to allergic rhinitis and co-existing asthma. The use of the medicine for conditions outside of its approved regulatory indications is not supported by official product labels.


Q: Is Levozet M known to interact with grapefruit juice?

A: Official regulatory labels for the Montelukast component do not specify a known interaction with grapefruit juice. However, Montelukast is processed by certain liver enzymes (CYP450 system) that can sometimes be influenced by dietary components.


Q: What is the evidence regarding Levozet M use for exercise-induced breathing issues?

A: The montelukast component is approved for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (breathing issues triggered by exercise) in specific age groups. This use is based on established evidence found in official product labeling.

How should Levozet M be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements

The following storage and disposal rules are based on official governmental regulatory information for Levocetirizine products:

Storage Conditions

  • Temperature and Environment: Store the medicine at a controlled room temperature, typically between 20^circ and 25 C (68^circ and 77 F). Protect the medication from excess heat, direct light, excess moisture, and freezing; do not store it in the bathroom.
  • Container and Protection: Keep the product in the container it was dispensed in, ensuring the safety cap is tightly closed. Discard any outdated or unused medicine promptly.
  • Child Safety: Always store the medication up and away, out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

  • Preferred Method: The most recommended disposal methods are drug take-back sites or authorized mail-back programs.
  • Household Trash: If preferred methods are unavailable, mix the medicine (without crushing tablets) with an undesirable substance, such as dirt or used coffee grounds. Seal this mixture in a bag or container and place it into the household trash. Do not flush the medication unless specifically instructed by the product labeling.

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

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