Levocetirizine

General information

Levocetirizine is the R-enantiomer of cetirizine dihydrochloride and, like cetirizine, undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism [ ]. Levocetirizine has twice the affinity for H ₁ receptors as cetirizine [ ]. It is efficacious and well tolerated in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis [ ].

Levocetirizine, has pharmacodynamically and pharmacokinetically favorable characteristics. Clinical trials have shown that it is safe and effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children, with a minimal number of untoward effects [ ].

Organs and systems