A non-drowsy antihistamine
Levocetirizine
A once-daily, less-sedating antihistamine for hay fever and hives; non-drowsy for most people, though it can still cause some drowsiness.
What is Levocetirizine?
Levocetirizine is a non-drowsy (less-sedating) antihistamine taken once a day for allergies such as hay fever and itchy skin rashes (hives or urticaria). It blocks the effects of histamine, the chemical released in allergic reactions, easing sneezing, a runny or itchy nose, itchy eyes and itching. It is less likely to make you sleepy than older antihistamines, though some people do still feel a little drowsy.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Levocetirizine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Levocetirizine is a non-drowsy (second-generation) antihistamine used in the UK for allergic conditions such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and itchy skin rashes including hives (urticaria). It eases allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny or itchy nose, itchy watery eyes and an itchy rash. It is taken once a day and is designed to be much less sedating than older antihistamines, although a minority of people still notice some drowsiness.
How it works
Levocetirizine blocks histamine, a chemical the body releases during an allergic reaction. When something you are allergic to triggers the release of histamine, it causes the sneezing, itching, runny nose and watery eyes of an allergy. By blocking histamine's effects at its receptors, levocetirizine reduces these symptoms. It is designed to act mainly outside the brain, which is why it is much less likely to cause drowsiness than older antihistamines.
What it treats
Conditions Levocetirizine is used for
Practical use
How to take Levocetirizine
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take it once a day, at about the same time, with or without food.
- For hay fever, take it regularly through the pollen season rather than only on bad days for steadier control.
- Although it is non-drowsy, see how it affects you before driving or using machinery, as some people still feel a little sleepy.
- Go easy on alcohol, which can add to any drowsiness.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next one — do not double up.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Levocetirizine
Advantages
- It is effective for hay fever and itchy allergic rashes such as hives.
- Once-daily dosing is simple and convenient.
- It is much less likely to cause drowsiness than older, sedating antihistamines.
Disadvantages
- Although non-drowsy, it can still cause some drowsiness in a minority of people.
- It may not fully control severe symptoms on its own, sometimes needing an added nasal spray or eye drops.
- The frequency may need reducing in people with significant kidney problems.
Practical use
Good to know
Levocetirizine is usually taken once a day and can be taken whether or not your symptoms are flaring, as it gives steady cover through the day. Although it is a non-drowsy antihistamine, 'less sedating' does not mean 'never sedating' — some people do feel a little drowsy, so it is sensible to see how it affects you before driving or operating machinery, especially at first. Alcohol can add to any drowsiness. For hay fever it often works best taken regularly through the season rather than only on bad days. It is taken once a day at a lower frequency in people with reduced kidney function.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to levocetirizine or to cetirizine.
- Used with caution, and at a lower frequency, in people with significant kidney problems.
- People with epilepsy or a risk of urinary retention should check first, as caution may be needed.
Monitoring
- Review of whether allergy symptoms are well controlled.
- Checking for any troublesome drowsiness, especially before driving or using machinery.
- In people with kidney problems, ensuring the frequency is appropriate.
Side effects
- Some drowsiness or tiredness in a minority of people.
- Dry mouth and headache.
- Occasionally, tummy upset such as nausea.
- Rarely, a faster heartbeat or, very rarely, an allergic reaction (seek advice).
Key interactions
- Alcohol and other sedating medicines can add to any drowsiness.
- It has relatively few important drug interactions compared with older antihistamines.
- Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all your medicines, including anything bought over the counter.
Available as: Tablets and an oral solution.
Answers
Levocetirizine: frequently asked questions
Does levocetirizine make you drowsy?
It is a non-drowsy (less-sedating) antihistamine, so most people are not affected. However, 'less sedating' does not mean 'never sedating' — a minority still feel a little drowsy. See how it affects you before driving or using machinery, especially at first.
How often do I take levocetirizine?
It is usually taken once a day, at about the same time, with or without food. For hay fever, taking it regularly through the pollen season often gives better control than only taking it on bad days.
What is levocetirizine used for?
It is used for allergic conditions such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and itchy skin rashes including hives (urticaria). It eases symptoms such as sneezing, a runny or itchy nose, itchy watery eyes and itching.
Can I drink alcohol with levocetirizine?
Alcohol can add to any drowsiness, so it is best to be careful, particularly when you first start it or if you find it makes you sleepy. See how the medicine affects you before combining it with alcohol.
Can I take it if I have kidney problems?
It can usually still be used, but it may need to be taken less often if your kidney function is significantly reduced. Tell your prescriber about any kidney problems so the frequency can be adjusted if needed.
The wider class
About Antihistamines
Levocetirizine belongs to the antihistamines class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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