Cetirizine vs Levocetirizine: Comparison
Cetrizine and levocetirizine are antihistamines prescribed to treat different kinds of allergies. Both of them work by blocking the effects of histamines and can be purchased over the counter and through prescription. Here's the comparison between them.
What is Cetirizine?
Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine used to treat allergic rhinitis and urticaria. It works by inhibiting histamine-mediated allergic responses and relieving allergy symptoms, especially itching and inflammation. It boasts a non-drowsy formulation that makes it a preferred option for people who want to stay focused throughout the day.
Cetirizine is a racemic mixture and contains both dextrorotatory and levorotatory enantiomers. It works by targeting H1 receptor sites in the body and inhibiting the binding of histamine molecules, thus preventing them from triggering any allergic response. This mechanism offers relief from allergic symptoms.
What is Levocetirizine?
Levocetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine with potent anti-allergic properties used for allergy relief. Unlike cetirizine, it is isolated and developed in its formulation.
Levocetirizine works by selectively binding to the H1 receptor sites present in the body. The binding of histamine molecules prevents histamine from attaching to the receptors, thus reducing allergic response. This allergy medicine effectively targets the levorotatory enantiomer of cetirizine, which is known to have a higher affinity for the H1 receptor sites. This factor makes levocetirizine more potent than cetirizine in terms of antihistaminic activity.
How Cetirizine Works?
Cetirizine helps combat allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. It effectively treats runny nose, itchy throat, and skin rashes. The effectiveness of cetirizine is slower than that of levocetirizine. Your allergic reaction might take 1-3 hours to go away. Per studies, cetirizine may not be effective for severe allergies.
How Does Levocetirizine Work?
Levocetirizine effectively reduces sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, watery eyes, seasonal allergies, and perennial allergic rhinitis. It starts working effectively, allowing you to experience relief within an hour of consumption. The effectiveness of levocetirizine is superior to cetirizine in treating severe allergies.
Side-Effects of Levocetirizine and Cetirizine
Cetirizine
The side effects caused by cetirizine may vary depending on how your body responds to this medicine. Common side effects include dry mouth, Drowsiness, recurring episodes of headache, etc. Some individuals may not experience adverse effects at all. However, the use of third-generation antihistamines is less likely to cause side effects like Drowsiness. While first-generation antihistamines are used, the chances of side effects like Drowsiness are high, and with the second-generation, they are milder than before.
Levocetirizine
Levocetirizine is a well-tolerated medication with side effects similar to cetirizine, including dry mouth, headache, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and Drowsiness. These effects are mild and transient, and usually, you do not experience any bothersome symptoms.
Interactions with Other Drugs
Cetirizine
There is a low likelihood of cetirizine, like oral antihistamines, interacting with other drugs. The doctors suggest avoiding combining cetirizine with CNS depressants as the combination may increase the sedative effect of both medicines.
Levocetirizine
Levocetirizine is a safer alternative with low potential for drug interactions. Similar to cetirizine, avoid combining this medicine with CNS depressants, like sedatives, alcohol, and tranquillizers, to keep Drowsiness at bay.
Common Brand Names
Cetirizine
The brand names of cetirizine may differ by the country in which it is being sold.
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Citrine (UK, Ireland)
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Zyrtec (Canada, USA, Europe)
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Reactine (Canada)
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Alerid (India)
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Allercet (Pakistan)
Levocetirizine
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Xyzal (USA, Europe, Australia)
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Bilaxten (Spain, Portugal)
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Levrix (Canada)
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Glencet (India)
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Livocet (Pakistan)
Dosage
Cetirizine
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For Children: A 5-10 mg daily dose is prescribed to children aged 6-12. For kids aged 2-6, 2.5-5 mg should be administered daily. This medicine should not be administered to children under 2.
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For Adults: 5-10 mg once a day for kids over 12 and adults.
Levocetirizine
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For Children: A 5-10 mg daily dose is prescribed to children aged 6-12. For kids aged 2-6, 2.5-5 mg should be administered daily. This medicine should not be administered to children under 2.
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For Adults: 5 mg once a day for kids over 6 and adults.
Which One is Better for Allergy Symptoms?
Both cetirizine and levocetirizine are effective antihistamines that help relieve symptoms of mild to severe allergic reactions. While both belong to the second-generation antihistamine class and target the same histamine receptors, levocetirizine has a superior composition to the former in terms of its effectiveness, particularly in relieving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
The choice between the two should be based on your preference, tolerability, and the doctor's guidance. In the best practice, consult a medical professional to determine a more suitable solution to alleviate your allergy symptoms.
