Levocetirizine is a medication used for the treatment of seasonal allergies, hay fever and allergies to mold, dust mites and animal dander. You may also receive this medication for the relief of symptoms related to hives. If you give levocetirizine to your child, you must take several precautions to help ensure his safety and well-being.
Levocetirizine Basics
Levocetirizine belongs to a class of medications called antihistamines, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus. It achieves its effects by limiting the effects of a substance in your child's body called histamine, which normally promotes allergic reactions. In the U.S., levocetirizine is marketed as Xyzal. Your child may receive Xyzal in either liquid or tablet form.
Contraindications
You cannot safely give your child levocetirizine if he has known allergies to this medication or any of its constituent parts, or allergies to the medication cetirizine---also called Zyrtec, according to the Nemours Foundation. If your child has allergies to other medications, dyes or food preservatives, tell his doctor before he takes levocetirizine. Potential signs of allergic reaction include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, itching, rashes, hives and swelling of your child's throat, tongue, lips or face. If your child has kidney disease, he cannot safely take levocetirizine.
Dosing Instructions
You will typically give your child levocetirizine at night, the Nemours Foundation explains. While he can take this medication without food, he can also take it with food if it produces any degree of stomach upset. If your child has problems swallowing pills, you can give him levocetirizine liquid. When using this liquid, make sure to provide your child with full, accurate medication doses. If your liquid levocetirizine product comes without a measuring device, ask your pharmacist for a medicine spoon, oral syringe or medicine dropper.
Precautions
You should take several safety precautions when giving your child levocetirizine, the Nemours Foundation reports. First, review your child's other medications with her doctor to avoid any potential drug interactions. Since this medication can reduce your child's normal alertness level, make sure she avoids forms of recreation or play that demand alertness. Ensure that your child avoids using things such as power scooters, lawnmowers and scissors. Lastly, provide your child with a medical alert identification badge or symbol, and avoid other products or medications that may further reduce alertness.
Side Effects
The Nemours Foundation lists potential side effects of levocetirizine use in children that include blurred vision, unclear thinking, lightheadedness and sleepiness. Your child may also develop dry mouth or diarrhea. In some cases, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay; you can help reduce this possibility in your older child with hard, sugar-free candy. Contact your child's doctor if he experiences severe dizziness, passes out, breaks out in a rash or gets no relief from the symptoms being treated. Also contact a doctor if your child has a severe allergic reaction, or if you are worried about a possible overdose. Medline Plus lists potential signs of overdose that include agitation, restlessness and drowsiness.
