XYZAL ® - Levocetirizine

XYZAL ® is a drug based on Levocetirizine dihydrochloride

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antihistamines for systemic use - H1 antagonist

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications XYZAL ® - Levocetirizine

XYZAL ® is used in the treatment of allergic manifestations occurring during persistent or seasonal allergic rhinitis and idiopathic urticaria.

Mechanism of action XYZAL ® - Levocetirizine

XYZAL ® is a drug based on Levocetirizine, a cetirizine enantiometer, therefore a piperazine derivative, which is included among the third generation H1 antagonist antihistamines.

These active ingredients are distinguished from those of the first generation fundamentally by the low ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, and thus determine the classic side effects on the nervous level such as drowsiness and headache.

The safety related to central side effects and the advantageous pharmacokinetic properties allow Levocetirizine to fully re-enter among the most widely used antihistamines in the clinical setting, guaranteeing the inhibition, with very high affinity and specificity, of H1 histamine receptors, and thus controlling the typical allergic manifestations such as bronchospasm and edema especially in the upper respiratory tract and in the skin.

Following intestinal absorption, guaranteed by oral administration of the drug, Levocetirizine undergoes a negligible hepatic metabolism and the consequent elimination via the kidney.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

THE ANTIBIOTIC ACTION OF LEVOCETIRIZINA

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2012 Jan; 108 (1): 44-8. doi: 10.1016 / j.anai.2011.09.014. Epub 2011 Nov 2.

Interesting work that highlights alternative roles of Levocetirizine to the antihistamine one for which it is usually used. In fact, in this study we note the antibiotic potential of the active principle exercised through a mechanical action determined by the inhibition of the adhesion of the pathogen to the upper respiratory tract.

THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTION OF LEVOCETIRIZINA

Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2011 Nov-Dec; 25 (6): 383-7. doi: 10.2500 / ajra.2011.25.3668.

Study demonstrating how the administration of Levocetirizine can determine a reduction in the production of nitric oxide, of phlogistic markers and a minor recruitment of eosinophils in patients suffering from perennial allergic rhinitis

LEVOCETYRIZINE vs LORATADINE IN ALLERGIC RHYITES

Allergol Int. 2011 Dec; 60 (4): 541-6. doi: 10.2332 / allergolint.10-OA-0300. Epub 2011 Sep 25.

A meta-analysis study demonstrating that treatment with levocetirizine is generally more effective than that with Loratadine, in determining a regression of the ongoing symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Method of use and dosage

XYZAL ®

Tablets coated with 5 mg of Levocetirizine dihydrochloride.

Given the pharmacokinetic properties of Levocetirizine, XYZAL ® therapy should be defined by your doctor based on the patient's physiopathological and clinical characteristics.

In adults, generally the administration of one tablet a day is sufficient to guarantee a remission of symptoms in a few days of treatment, although variations in the aforementioned dosage should inevitably be evaluated in pediatric and senile patients and in patients with impaired renal function.

Warnings XYZAL ® - Levocetirizine

XYZAL ® therapy should be preceded by a careful medical examination aimed at assessing the prescriptive appropriateness and the possible presence of contraindications to the use of Levocetirizine.

Particular caution should in fact be reserved for elderly patients or those suffering from renal pathologies in which the altered clearance of this drug could significantly increase the risk of serious side effects.

The same caution should also be reserved for patients suffering from neurological and cardiac pathologies, much more susceptible to the side effects of Levocetirizine.

XYZAL ® contains lactose, therefore its intake is contraindicated in patients with galactose intolerance, lactase enzyme deficiency and glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome.

It is recommended to keep the medicine out of the reach of children.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Although there is currently no evidence of fetal toxicity of Levocetirizine taken during pregnancy, it would still be advisable to avoid taking XYZAL ® during pregnancy and in the subsequent breastfeeding period.

If the use of this drug is strictly necessary, the whole therapy should be supervised by your doctor.

Interactions

No clinically relevant pharmacological interactions are known at this time, such as to compromise the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of Levocetirizine.

However, if it is necessary to combine therapy with XYZAL ® with another pharmacological therapy, it would be advisable to always consult your doctor.

Contraindications XYZAL ® - Levocetirizine

The use of XYZAL ® is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients or to other structurally related molecules and in patients suffering from serious renal diseases.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

Although the use of third-generation H1 receptor antagonists should significantly limit the appearance of certain side effects, XYZAL ® therapy could lead to the appearance of headache, drowsiness, nausea and only rarely hypersensitivity reactions to the drug.