Medical, Drugs, Pharmaceuticals And Diseases Information

Levocetirizine dihydrochloride - brand name Xyzal is a selective, long  acting peripheral H1   receptor antagonist antihistamine. The   increased polarity of Levocetirizin may decrease distribution of the drug into the CNS, resulting in reduced potential for adverse CNS effects. Drug tolerance does not occur as it does not readily cross the blood brain barrier. It does not cause sedation or interfere with mental alertness or memory function.  Levocetirizine dihydrochloride - Xyzal works by blocking the histamine receptors. While it may not stop  the actual release of histamines from mast cells it does prevents the binding of these histamines to its receptors. This effectively prevents the release of other allergy chemicals and increased blood supply to the area (ie) it prevents swelling and inflammation in the area. Thus it very effectively provides relief from the typical symptoms of hayfever and rhinitis.

Levocetirizine dihydrochloride - molecule was developed by UCB a multi national biopharmaceutical manufacturer headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It is  available under the brand name Xyzal in the UK, Ireland, Austria, France, The Netherlands and Romania,. It is available as  Xuzal in Mexico and in Germany and Xozal in Greece. In Unites States Aventis - Sanofi has the permission to market Levocetirizine dihydrochloride under the brand name Xyzal.
Levocetirizine dihydrochloride Xyzal is used in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis,ocular   symptom  like redness, lacrimation and itching. It is also indicated in the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria, urticaria dermographism, atopic eczema &contact dermatitis, also in acute allergic reactions due to drugs, food and insect bites.

Dosage: For adults and childern above 6 years  : Levocetirizine dihydrochloride  - Xyzal is given 5 mg as a single intake orally. For elderly  dosage is adjusted  on the basis of  renal function. 

Side Effctes of Xyzal. : Levocetirizine dihydrochloride Xyzal has to be used with caution during Pregnancy and during lactation it is secreted in breast milk. Contraindications Xyzal include severe renal impairment. Special precautions has to be taken by patients  intending to drive/ operate   machinery  or  engage   in   potentially hazardous activities should be warned not to take more than the recommended dose. Concurrent use with alcohol or other CNS depressant may cause reduction in alertness and impairment of performance. Although well tolerated some effects are headache, somnolence,  dry mouth,  mild drowsiness and G.I. disturbances. Drug Interactions: Rate of absorption is reduced with food.  Alcohol and CNS depressants may potentiate CNS side effects in sensitive patients.

Cetrizine hydrochloride (brand name zyrtec) is non sedating anti-histamine with a potent anti-allergic action. It posses strong affinity for histamine H receptors, and has no anti-cholinergic and anti-serotoninergic effects. Since it does not cross blood brain barrier it does not cause sedation or interfere with mental alertness or memory function.

Cetirizine hydrochloride is available under the brand name Zyrtec. Cetrizine is available in three different forms. It is available in chewable, non chewable and syrup form. Cetrizine hydrochloride is absorbed rapidly with food in all the forms.

Cetirizine Zyrtec is used in the treatment of all types of rhinitis. Cetirizine Zyrtec is used to treat symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis. These may be caused by allergens such as ragweed, grass and tree pollens. Adults and children above 2 years of age and older can take this medicine. The common symptoms like sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing, and redness of the eyes are effectively treated with Cetirizine Zyrtec

It si also helpful in Perennial Allergic Rhinitis caused due to allergens such as dust mites, animal dander and molds in adults and children 6 months of age and older. Symptoms treated effectively include sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, and tearing. Cetirizine Zyrtec is also used to treat Chronic Urticaria. It significantly reduces the occurrence, severity, and duration of hives and significantly reduces pruritus.

The most common zyrtec side effects in patients aged 12 years and older that occurred more frequently was somnolence. The other side effects of cetrizine zyrtec include abdominal pain, dry mouth, fatigue, insomnia and malaise. Contra indications OF cetirizine zyrtec include pregnancy and lactation. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption while on cetrizine zyrtec.

Ketotifen fumarate – available under brand name Zaditor posseses marked anti-anaphylactic properties and is effective in preventing asthmatic attacks. But it will not abort established attacks of asthma. Once the attack has happened Ketotifen fumarate will not stop it. In Oral form Ketotifen fumarate is used in the treatment of allergic asthma and in it’s ophthalmic form it is used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, red and itchy eyes caused by allergens. The ophthalmic preparation is available under brand name Alaway.

It is commonly used in Prophylactic treatment of bronchial asthma, symptomatic treatment of allergic conditions including rhinitis and conjunctivitis. The typical dosage of Ketotifen fumarate is 1 mg twice daily with food and a maximum of 2 mg twice daily. For Children 6 months -2 yrs.: 0.5 mg twice daily with food and for those 2 yrs. onwards the dosage is 1 mg twice daily with food.

Contraindications of Ketotifen fumarate include a reversible fall in the thrombocyte count in patients receiving. Special Precautions have o be taken if systemic corticosteroids & ACTH are already taken by patient. They should be continued for a minimum two weeks after starting Ketotifen fumarate. Side effects of Zaditor Ketotifen fumarate include drowsiness, dry mouth and dizziness. Patient should not operate machinery or vehicles and avoid alcoholic drinks . Ketotifen fumarate may potentiate the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, anti-histamines and alcohol. Otherwise Ketotifen fumarate is considered safe in children,elderly and lactating women.