Allermic Tab/Allermic-M
(as levocetirizine dihydrochloride) 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 R-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 hay fever. Levocetirizine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that body makes during an allergic reaction.
The pharmacokinetics of levocetirizine are linear with dose and time-independent with low inter-subject variability. The pharmacokinetic profile is the same when given as the single enantiomer or when given as cetirizine. No chiral inversion occurs during the process of absorption and elimination.
AbsorptionLevocetirizine is rapidly and extensively absorbed following oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved 0.9 g h after dosing. Steady state is achieved after two days. Peak concentrations are typically 270 ng/ml and 308 ng/ml following a single and a repeated 5 mg o.d. dose, respectively. The extent of absorption is dose-independent and is not altered by food, but the peak concentration is reduced and delayed.
IndicationsFor Chronic Allergic conditions like seasonal allergic rhinitis , perennial allergic rhinitis, Rhinitis associated with Asthma.
Dosage and AdministrationAdults 1 tablet once daily
ContraindicationsPatients who are hypersensitive to any component of this product or to montelukast sodium, levocetirizine or cetirizine. Patients with completely impaired renal function (anuria).
Use in special ConditionPregnancy
The combination should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed but should not be continued.LactationSince levocetirizine is excreted in breast-milk the combination is not recommended during breast-feeding.
Others
The combination should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic and renal function and patients having closed-angle glaucoma.Patients on concurrent administration of CNS depressants should also administer caution.
MontelukastMontelukast is used to prevent wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing caused by asthma. Montelukast is also used to prevent bronchospasm (breathing difficulties) during exercise. Montelukast is also used to treat the symptoms of seasonal (occurs only at certain times of the year), and perennial (occurs all year round) allergic rhinitis (a condition associated with sneezing and stuffy, runny or itchy nose). Montelukast is in a class of medications called leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs). It works by blocking the action of substances in the body that cause the symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
UseMontelukast is usually taken once a day with or without food. When montelukast is used to treat asthma, it should be taken in the evening. When montelukast is used to prevent breathing difficulties during exercise, it should be taken at least 2 hours before exercise. When montelukast is used to treat allergic rhinitis, it may be taken at any time of day. montelukast at around the same time every day. Montelukast is used for a number of conditions including asthma, exercise induced bronchospasm, allergic rhinitis, and urticaria. It is mainly used as a complementary therapy in adults in addition to inhaled corticosteroids, if they alone do not bring the desired effect.
Drug InteractionsThe individual drugs are not known to have any interactions so far. Hence, no interactions would be expected with the combination.
Undesirable effectsMontelukast & Levocetirizine are generally well tolerated. Common side effects, which might be seen with the combination, are dyspepsia, abdominal pain, rash, dizziness, headache, fatigue, and somnolence. Sometimes, hypersensitivity, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, vomiting and diarrhoea may occur. In rare cases, patients may present with systemic eosinophilia, sometimes presenting with clinical features of consistent with Churg-Strauss Syndrome.