Levocetirizine By Pharmachem Research & Development Laboratories

Formula C21H25ClN2O3 Mol. mass 388.888 g/mol Pharmacokinetic data Protein binding 90% Metabolism Hepatic 14% CYP3A4 Half life 6 to 10 hours Levocetirizine is a third generation non-sedative antihistamine, developed from the second generation antihistamine cetirizine. Chemically, levocetirizine is the active enantiomer of cetirizine. It is the L-enantiomer of the cetirizine racemate. Levocetirizine works by blocking histamine receptors. It does not prevent the actual release of histamine from mast cells, but prevents it binding to its receptors. This in turn prevents the release of other allergy chemicals and increased blood supply to the area, and provides relief from the typical symptoms of hayfever. Levocetirizine 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. It is also used to treat symptoms of hives, including itching and rash. Levocetirizine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.