Alertus A
Alertus A Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride is a preparation of Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride. Levocetirizine 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. Levocetirizine has a rapid and long-lasting action, allowing once-a-day administration.
Levocetirizine 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.
Zinc gluconate is a zinc salt of gluconic acid comprised of two gluconic acid molecules for each zinc cation (2+). Zinc gluconate is a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substance by FDA . It is available as a trace mineral supplement and over the counter as a lozenge form for a reduced duration of common colds and with decreased symptom severity.
Although it has been nasally administered for treating the common cold, this route of administration has been associated with some cases of anosmia , , , .
Studies show that zinc may be better absorbed in humans in the gluconate form , , however, results from other studies may vary , [L27280].
| Trade Name | Alertus A |
| Generic | Zinc Gluconate + Levocetirizine |
| Weight | 7.5mg |
| Type | Syrup |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | Megha Healtcare Pvt Ltd |
| Available Country | India |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride is used for the treatment of symptoms associated with allergic conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Zinc gluconate is an ingredient found in a variety of supplements and vitamins.
Zinc gluconate is mainly indicated in conditions like zinc deficiency, and can also be administered in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in diarrhea .
Alertus A 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 RhinitisZinc Deficiency
How Alertus A works
Levocetirizine 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.
Although the mechanism of action is not completely known, zinc supplementation may be used to increase immunity against viruses or may interfere with the replication of certain viruses, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) .
Dosage
Alertus A 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.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth irritation have been reported in patients ingesting zinc gluconate tablets that were dissolved in the mouth for management the common cold .
Zinc crosses the placenta and is found the cord blood and placenta. Fetal concentrations are regulated by the placenta .
For more information, refer to Please refer to DrugBank entry Zinc.
Acute: 1290 mg/kg in mouse
Precaution
Epileptic patients and patients at risk of convulsions. Renal impairment. Pregnancy and lactation.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of levocetirizine is 0.33±0.02L/kg.
Stored primarily in skeletal muscle and bone .
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%.
Please refer to DrugBank entry Zinc
Half Life
The average half life of levocetirizine is 7.05±1.54 hours.
280 days
Clearance
The average clearance of levocetirizine is 0.57±0.18mL/min/kg.
Please refer to DrugBank entry Zinc
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.
Feces and urine
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy: The safety of Levocetirizine 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: Levocetirizine 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.
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