Levostar
Levostar Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Levostar Dihydrochloride is a preparation of Levostar Dihydrochloride. Levostar 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. Levostar has a rapid and long-lasting action, allowing once-a-day administration.
Levostar 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 | Levostar |
| 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 | 50mcg/metered inhalation, 1 mg, 2mg, 1 mg/5ml |
| Type | Tablet, Inhaler, Syrup |
| 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 | Intra Labs Ltd, Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd |
| Available Country | India, Bangladesh |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Levostar Dihydrochloride is used for the treatment of symptoms associated with allergic conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Levostar 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 Levostar works
Levostar 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
Levostar 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.
Levostar 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
Levostar 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 Levostar 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: Levostar 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 Levostar
Levostar contains Levocetirizine see full prescribing information from innovator Levostar Monograph, Levostar MSDS, Levostar FDA label
FAQ
What is Levostar used for?
Levostar 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.Levostar is also used to treat symptoms of hives, including itching and rash.
How safe is Levostar?
Many people using Levostar 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 Levostar?
The common side effects of Levostar are include:
- drowsiness
- tiredness
- weakness
- sore throat
- dry mouth
- fever
- cough
- nosebleed
This is not a complete list of Levostar side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How does Levostar work?
Levostar works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
How long does Levostar take to work?
Levostar dihydrochloride 5 mg was found to have an onset of action 1 hour after oral intake.
Is Levostar safe during pregnancy?
Levostar 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 Levostar safe during breastfeeding?
Levostar 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 Levostar?
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 Levostar .
Can I drive after taking Levostar?
Levostar can cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
What is the best time to take Levostar?
Levostar comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day in the evening with or without food. Take Levostar at the same time every day.
How long does Levostar take to work?
You can expect to feel relief about an hour after taking a dose. You can expect Levostar to start preventing allergy symptoms after taking it for 2 days in a row.
Can Levostar make Me sleepy?
Levostar is called a non-drowsy antihistamine.However, it can still cause drowsiness in a few people.
Who should not take Levostar?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to Levostar. 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 Levostar.
Is It safe to take Levostar everyday?
The recommended dose of Levostar dihydrochloride tablets is 5 mg (1 tablet) once daily in the evening.
Does Levostar help anxiety?
Levostar is an antihistamine. It is approved for the treatment of anxiety.
How long does Levostar stay in my system?
The onset of action of Levostar lasts for 28 hours. However, it takes 50 hours to be eliminated from your system. You should avoid taking Levostar if you are suffering from kidney disease or are undergoing dialysis.
What happens if I miss a dose of Levostar?
Take Levostar 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 Levostar for a long time?
Levostar 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 Levostar safe for kidneys?
You should not take Levostar if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis.
Can I take overdose of Levostar?
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).
