Levocetirizine Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 10, 2024.

Applies to the following strengths: 5 mg; 0.5 mg/mL

Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria

5 mg orally once a day in the evening

Comments: Some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg orally once a day in the evening.

Use: For the treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (OTC): 5 mg orally once a day in the evening; some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg once a day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis:
6 months to 2 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day in the evening

Comments: The recommended dose in pediatric patients 6 months to 2 years should not be exceeded.

Use: For the relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (OTC):
6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day in the evening
12 years or older: 5 mg orally once a day in the evening; some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg once a day

Comments: Avoid use in patients less than 6 years.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria

6 months to 5 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day in the evening
6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day in the evening
12 years or older: 5 mg orally once a day in the evening; some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg once a day

Comments: The recommended doses in pediatric patients 6 months to 12 years should not be exceeded.

Use: For the treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria

Renal Dose Adjustments

Pediatric patients 6 months to 11 years with impaired renal function: Contraindicated

Adults and children 12 years or older:

Mild renal dysfunction (CrCl 50 to 80 mL/min): 2.5 mg orally once a day
Moderate renal dysfunction (CrCl 30 to 50 mL/min): 2.5 mg orally once every other day
Severe renal dysfunction (CrCl 10 to 30 mL/min): 2.5 mg orally twice a week (administered once every 3 to 4 days)
End-stage renal disease (CrCl less than 10 mL/min): Contraindicated

Liver Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended.

Precautions

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 6 months.

OTC: Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 6 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Hemodialysis: Contraindicated
Peritoneal dialysis: Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

May be taken with or without food.
The tablets are scored and may be broken if appropriate.

General:

A dose of 5 mg (10 mL) oral solution is bioequivalent to a 5 mg oral tablet.

Patient advice:

Avoid engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental alertness, including operating heavy machinery or driving a motor vehicle following administration.
Avoid exceeding the recommended daily dose as ingestion of higher than the recommended dose increases the risk for somnolence.
Avoid concomitant use with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants.