Alertus
Alertus Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Alertus Dihydrochloride is a preparation of Alertus Dihydrochloride. Alertus is the active (levo) isomer of Cetirizine. It is a new highly effective and well-tolerated non-sedating antihistamine with potent antiallergic properties. It has a two-fold higher affinity for H1-receptors than Cetirizine. Alertus has a rapid and long-lasting action, allowing once-a-day administration.
Alertus is a second generation histamine H1 antagonist used to treat various allergic symptoms. It has a long duration of action as it is generally taken once daily, and a wide therapeutic window as animal studies show the maximal nonlethal dose is over 100x a normal dose. Patients are cautioned to avoid tasks that require complete alertness, avoid alertness, and use caution in patients with factors predisposing urinary retention.
| Trade Name | Alertus |
| Availability | Rx and/or OTC |
| Generic | Levocetirizine |
| Levocetirizine Other Names | Levocetirizina, Levocetirizine |
| Related Drugs | prednisone, hydroxyzine, cetirizine, loratadine, fluticasone nasal, promethazine, diphenhydramine, Zyrtec, Vistaril, Atarax |
| Weight | 5mg, 7.5mg |
| Type | Tablet, Syrup, Drops |
| Formula | C21H25ClN2O3 |
| Weight | Average: 388.89 Monoisotopic: 388.1553704 |
| Protein binding | Plasma protein binding of levocetirizine was on average 96.1% 1 hour post dose and 91.9% 6 hours post dose. |
| Groups | Approved |
| Therapeutic Class | Non-sedating antihistamines |
| Manufacturer | Icarus Health Care Pvt Ltd, Megha Healtcare Pvt Ltd |
| Available Country | India |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Alertus Dihydrochloride is used for the treatment of symptoms associated with allergic conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Alertus is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Allergic Rhinitis (AR), Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria, Common Cold, Nasal Congestion, Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR), Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
How Alertus works
Alertus selectively inhibits histamine H1 receptors. This action prevents histamine from activating this receptor and causing effects like smooth muscle contraction, increased permeability of vascular endothelium, histidine uptake in basophils, stimulation of cough receptors, and stimulation of flare responses in the nervous system.
Dosage
Alertus dosage
Adults and children 12 years of age and older: 5 mg once daily in the evening
Children 6 to 11 years of age: 2.5 mg once daily in the evening
Children 6 months to 5 years of age: 1.25 mg (1/2 teaspoon oral solution) once daily in the evening
Renal Impairment: Adjust the dose in patients 12 years of age and older with decreased renal function
Side Effects
The most common adverse reactions (rate ≥2% and > placebo) were somnolence, nasopharyngitis, fatigue, dry mouth, and pharyngitis in subjects 12 years of age and older, and pyrexia, somnolence, cough, and epistaxis in children 6 to 12 years of age. In subjects 1 to 5 years of age, the most common adverse reactions (rate ≥2% and > placebo) were pyrexia, diarrhea, vomiting, and otitis media. In subjects 6 to 11 months of age, the most common adverse reactions (rate ≥3% and > placebo) were diarrhea and constipation.
Toxicity
Patients experiencing an overdose may present with drowsiness. Children may become agitated and restless before drowsiness. Patients should be treated with supportive measures. Dialysis will not assist in removing the drug from the body.
The maximal nonlethal dose in mice and rats is 240mg/kg.
Precaution
Epileptic patients and patients at risk of convulsions. Renal impairment. Pregnancy and lactation.
Food Interaction
- Avoid alcohol.
- Take with or without food.
[Moderate] GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents.
Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and
MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol.
Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.
Alertus Drug Interaction
Moderate: diphenhydramine, duloxetine, pregabalinUnknown: aspirin, ubiquinone, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, fluticasone nasal, metoprolol, esomeprazole, albuterol, bifidobacterium infantis / lactobacillus acidophilus, montelukast, budesonide / formoterol, levothyroxine, acetaminophen, cyanocobalamin, ascorbic acid, ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol, cetirizine
Alertus Disease Interaction
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of levocetirizine is 0.33±0.02L/kg.
Elimination Route
Following a 5mg oral dose of levocetirizine, a Cmax of 0.27±0.04µg/mL with a Tmax of 0.75±0.50h. The AUC of levocetirizine is 2.31±0.50µg*h/mL. Taking levocetirizine with food does not affect the AUC but delays Tmax by 1.25 hours and lowers Cmax by 36%.
Half Life
The average half life of levocetirizine is 7.05±1.54 hours.
Clearance
The average clearance of levocetirizine is 0.57±0.18mL/min/kg.
Elimination Route
168 hours post dose an average of 85.4% of a radiolabeled dose was recovered with an average of 80.8% in the urine and 9.5% in the feces. In the urine, 77% of the dose was recovered as unchanged drug, 0.5% as the M8 and M9 metabolites, 0.4% as the M10a metabolite, 0.4% as the M10b metabolite, 0.3% as the M3 metabolite, 0.3% as the M4 and M5 metabolite, 0.2% as the M2 metabolite, and 0.1% as the M1 metabolite. In the feces, 9.0% of the dose was recovered as unchanged drug, 1.0% as the M4 and M5 metabolite, and 0.1% as the M1 metabolite.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy: The safety of Alertus in pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it should be used with caution during pregnancy and only if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus.
Lactation: Alertus passes into breast milk. So, it should be used with caution in nursing mothers and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the risk to the nursing infant.
Contraindication
It is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this medication or to any of its ingredients.
Special Warning
Paediatric use: Not recommended for use in children less than 6 years of age.
Acute Overdose
Symptoms: Drowsiness, agitation, restlessness, confusion, diarrhoea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, malaise, mydriasis, pruritus, sedation, somnolence, stupor, tachycardia, tremor and urinary retention.
Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Gastric lavage must be considered shortly following ingestion.
Storage Condition
Store between 20-25°C.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Alertus
Alertus contains Levocetirizine see full prescribing information from innovator Alertus Monograph, Alertus MSDS, Alertus FDA label
FAQ
What is Alertus used for?
Alertus is used to relieve runny nose; sneezing; and redness, itching, and tearing of the eyes caused by hay fever, seasonal allergies, and allergies to other substances such as dust mites, animal dander, and mold.Alertus is also used to treat symptoms of hives, including itching and rash.
How safe is Alertus?
Many people using Alertus do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: difficulty urinating, weakness. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
What are the common side effects of Alertus?
The common side effects of Alertus are include:
- drowsiness
- tiredness
- weakness
- sore throat
- dry mouth
- fever
- cough
- nosebleed
This is not a complete list of Alertus side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How does Alertus work?
Alertus works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
How long does Alertus take to work?
Alertus dihydrochloride 5 mg was found to have an onset of action 1 hour after oral intake.
Is Alertus safe during pregnancy?
Alertus should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of fetal harm and teratogenicity. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.
Is Alertus safe during breastfeeding?
Alertus are considered safe to use during breastfeeding, as minimal amounts are excreted in the breast milk and would not cause any adverse effects on a breastfeeding infant.
Can I drink alcohol with Alertus?
Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of levocetirizine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with Alertus .
Can I drive after taking Alertus?
Alertus can cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
What is the best time to take Alertus?
Alertus comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day in the evening with or without food. Take Alertus at the same time every day.
How long does Alertus take to work?
You can expect to feel relief about an hour after taking a dose. You can expect Alertus to start preventing allergy symptoms after taking it for 2 days in a row.
Can Alertus make Me sleepy?
Alertus is called a non-drowsy antihistamine.However, it can still cause drowsiness in a few people.
Who should not take Alertus?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to Alertus. You should not take take if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. Any child younger than 12 years old with kidney disease should not take Alertus.
Is It safe to take Alertus everyday?
The recommended dose of Alertus dihydrochloride tablets is 5 mg (1 tablet) once daily in the evening.
Does Alertus help anxiety?
Alertus is an antihistamine. It is approved for the treatment of anxiety.
How long does Alertus stay in my system?
The onset of action of Alertus lasts for 28 hours. However, it takes 50 hours to be eliminated from your system. You should avoid taking Alertus if you are suffering from kidney disease or are undergoing dialysis.
What happens if I miss a dose of Alertus?
Take Alertus as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Can I take Alertus for a long time?
Alertus oral tablet is used for short-term treatment of seasonal allergies and long-term treatment of chronic itching. It comes with risks if you don't take it as prescribed.
Is Alertus safe for kidneys?
You should not take Alertus if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis.
Can I take overdose of Alertus?
If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include: increased drowsiness (adults) agitation and restlessness, followed by drowsiness (children).
