letras tablet - Levocetirizine (NA) medicine

Levocet Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, and Safety

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🏭 Biostrass Health Sciences Pvt Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Sep 25, 2026
🤰 Pregnancy Category Levocetirizine is classified as Pregnancy Category B by the FDA. Animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. This medicine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: High
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Sep 25, 2026
🩺
Medically Fact-Checked & Clinically Verified by SaathiMed Clinical Review Board
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Severe rash or hives
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Seizures
  • Severe drowsiness or confusion
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is letras tablet used for?

Levocetirizine is a non-sedating antihistamine used to treat allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria. It works by blocking histamine H1 receptors, providing relief from sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and hives. The usual adult dose is 5 mg once daily.

  • Generic Name: Levocetirizine (NA)
  • Manufacturer: Biostrass Health Sciences Pvt Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 letras tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा लेवोसेटिरिज़िन पर आधारित है, जो एक एंटीहिस्टामाइन है। इसका उपयोग एलर्जी राइनाइटिस (नाक की एलर्जी), छींक, बहती नाक, आंखों में खुजली और पानी आना, और पित्ती (हाइव्स) के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह दवा शरीर में हिस्टामाइन नामक पदार्थ को रोककर एलर्जी के लक्षणों को कम करती है। यह आमतौर पर 6 साल से बड़े बच्चों और वयस्कों के लिए उपयोग की जाती है। इस दवा को डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, थकान, मुंह सूखना और सिरदर्द शामिल हैं। ये आमतौर पर हल्के होते हैं और अपने आप ठीक हो जाते हैं। कभी-कभी पेट दर्द, जी मिचलाना या दस्त भी हो सकते हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन अगर आपको चकत्ते, खुजली, चेहरे, होंठ, जीभ या गले में सूजन, या सांस लेने में कठिनाई हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। अपनी मर्जी से मात्रा न बढ़ाएं। इस दवा से नींद आ सकती है, इसलिए वाहन चलाने या मशीनरी चलाने से बचें जब तक कि आपको पता न चल जाए कि यह दवा आप पर कैसे असर करती है। इस दवा के साथ शराब न लें। अगर आपको किडनी या लीवर की बीमारी है, तो अपने डॉक्टर को बताएं। गर्भवती या स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाएं डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।

💡 Did You Know? India has the highest number of USFDA-compliant plants outside the USA.

💊 letras tablet Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Allergic rhinitis","description":"Relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and nasal itching associated with seasonal or perennial allergies.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Chronic idiopathic urticaria","description":"Reduces the number and size of hives and relieves itching in patients with chronic hives of unknown cause.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Allergic conjunctivitis","description":"Helps relieve itching, redness, and tearing of the eyes due to allergies.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Atopic dermatitis","description":"May be used as an adjunct to relieve itching in some patients with eczema.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Chronic cough","description":"Sometimes prescribed off-label to relieve cough associated with allergic postnasal drip.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Anxiety-related insomnia","description":"Rarely used off-label for its sedative effects, but not recommended due to potential side effects.","evidence":"Insufficient"}]

Primary treatment for: Allergic rhinitis

Also treats: Chronic idiopathic urticaria, Allergic conjunctivitis, Atopic dermatitis

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Levocetirizine (NA)
Brand Nameletras tablet
ManufacturerBiostrass Health Sciences Pvt Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassRESPIRATORY
Action ClassH1 Antihistaminics (second Generation)
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep in the original container.
Shelf Life24 months from the date of manufacture.
WHO GuidelineNot established from the available information.
ICMR GuidelineNot established from the available information.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Take this medicine at bedtime if it makes you drowsy during the day.
2
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
3
Do not take this medicine with alcohol or other sedatives.
4
Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease before taking this medicine.
5
Do not exceed the prescribed dose, as it may increase the risk of side effects.
6
If your allergy symptoms do not improve within a few days, consult your doctor.
7
Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

✅
Sneezing
This medicine is commonly prescribed for allergic sneezing.
Likely Use
✅
Runny nose
This medicine helps reduce runny nose due to allergies.
Likely Use
✅
Itchy, watery eyes
This medicine relieves eye symptoms of allergies.
Likely Use
✅
Hives
This medicine is used to treat chronic urticaria.
Likely Use
❌
Fever
This medicine is not a primary fever reducer.
Not Primary
❌
Cough
This medicine is not primarily used for cough, unless due to allergies.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionLevocetirizine is rapidly and extensively absorbed after oral administration. The absolute bioavailability is approximately 100%. Food does not significantly affect the extent of absorption, but it may delay the time to peak concentration.
DistributionLevocetirizine distributes widely throughout the body. It has a low volume of distribution (approximately 0.4 L/kg). It does not extensively penetrate the central nervous system.
Protein BindingApproximately 90% of levocetirizine is bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin.
MetabolismLevocetirizine undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism. About 14% of the dose is metabolized, mainly by CYP3A4, to inactive metabolites.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life of levocetirizine is approximately 6 to 8 hours in healthy adults. In patients with renal impairment, the half-life is prolonged.
ExcretionLevocetirizine is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. About 85% of the dose is excreted in urine and 13% in feces. Renal clearance is the major route of elimination.
BioavailabilityThe absolute bioavailability of levocetirizine is approximately 100%.
Onset of ActionThe onset of action is within 1 hour after oral administration.
Peak Plasma TimePeak plasma concentrations are reached approximately 0.9 hours after oral administration.
Duration of ActionThe antihistaminic effect lasts for approximately 24 hours, allowing once-daily dosing.

How It Works

Levocetirizine is a selective antagonist of peripheral H1 receptors. It competes with histamine for binding sites on effector cells in the gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, and respiratory tract. By blocking H1 receptors, it prevents histamine-induced symptoms such as vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, itching, and smooth muscle contraction. Unlike first-generation antihistamines, levocetirizine has limited penetration into the central nervous system, resulting in less sedation.

Mechanism Steps

1
Selective H1 receptor binding: Levocetirizine selectively binds to histamine H1 receptors on effector cells, preventing histamine from attaching and triggering allergic responses.
2
Inhibition of histamine-induced effects: By blocking H1 receptors, it reduces vasodilation, capillary permeability, itching, and smooth muscle contraction that occur during allergic reactions.
3
Limited CNS penetration: Levocetirizine crosses the blood-brain barrier to a lesser extent than first-generation antihistamines, resulting in minimal sedation.
4
Long-lasting effect: The drug remains bound to H1 receptors for an extended period, providing 24-hour relief from allergic symptoms with once-daily dosing.

💡 How to Take letras tablet

Strength: Levocetirizine 5 mg immediate-release tablet.

1Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
2Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
3You can take it with or without food.
4If it causes drowsiness, take it at bedtime.
5Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet unless instructed.
6Do not take more than the prescribed dose.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe usual adult dose of this medicine is 5 mg once daily in the evening. For allergic rhinitis, the dose may be taken during the day if drowsiness is not a problem. For chronic urticaria, the same dose is used. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician.
Elderly DosageElderly patients (above 65 years) may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially drowsiness. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on renal function. Consult your doctor for appropriate dosing.
Renal ImpairmentIn patients with renal impairment, the dose should be adjusted based on creatinine clearance. For mild renal impairment (CrCl 50-80 mL/min), the usual dose may be used. For moderate impairment (CrCl 30-50 mL/min), 5 mg every other day is recommended. For severe impairment (CrCl 10-30 mL/min), 5 mg twice weekly is recommended. For patients with CrCl less than 10 mL/min or on dialysis, this medicine is contraindicated.
Hepatic ImpairmentNo dose adjustment is needed for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. In severe hepatic impairment, caution is advised, and dose adjustment may be necessary based on clinical response.
Maximum Daily Dose5 mg per day for adults and children above 12 years. For children 6-11 years, the maximum dose is 2.5 mg per day.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
Can be taken with or without food
Food does not significantly affect absorption.
Grapefruit juice
Avoid excessive consumption
May increase drug levels.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of letras tablet

✅ Common Side Effects

Drowsiness (Common (1-10%))
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. If drowsiness persists, consult your doctor.
Fatigue (Common (1-10%))
Get adequate rest. If fatigue interferes with daily activities, consult your doctor.
Dry mouth (Common (1-10%))
Stay hydrated by drinking water. Chewing sugar-free gum may help. Consult your doctor if it persists.
Headache (Common (1-10%))
Usually resolves on its own. If headache is severe or persistent, consult your doctor.
Abdominal pain (Uncommon (0.1-1%))
Take the medicine with food to reduce stomach upset. If pain persists, consult your doctor.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Palpitations (Rare (<0.1%))
Consult your doctor if you experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Seizures (Very rare (<0.01%))
Seek immediate medical help if you have a seizure.
Severe skin reactions (Very rare (<0.01%))
Stop the medicine and seek immediate medical attention if you develop a severe rash, blistering, or peeling skin.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Aggression
Consult your doctor if you notice unusual changes in behavior.
Confusion
Consult your doctor if you experience confusion or disorientation.
Sleep disturbances
Consult your doctor if you have trouble sleeping.
Hallucinations
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience hallucinations.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Alcohol Major
Benzodiazepines Major
Opioids Major
Ritonavir Moderate
Theophylline Moderate
Antacids Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Alcohol
  • CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids, sedatives)

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Ritonavir
  • Theophylline

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine because it can increase drowsiness and impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. The combination may also increase the risk of other side effects.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Hypersensitivity to levocetirizine, cetirizine, or any component of the formulation","Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min)","Patients on dialysis","Children under 6 years of age (for this formulation)"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.","Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dose adjustment may be needed.","Use with caution in patients with liver disease.","Not recommended for children under 6 years of age.","Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects, especially drowsiness.","Do not exceed the recommended dose."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Levocetirizine is excreted in human breast milk. Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

💊 Overdose Management

Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, agitation, restlessness, and in severe cases, seizures. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. There is no specific antidote. Hemodialysis does not effectively remove levocetirizine from the body.

⏰ Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, as it may cause drowsiness. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase drowsiness and impair your ability to concentrate. Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, as dose adjustments may be needed. Do not use this medicine for longer than prescribed without consulting your doctor. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially drowsiness and dry mouth. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on renal function. Regular monitoring of kidney function is advised. Consult your doctor for appropriate dosing.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Levocetirizine is classified as Pregnancy Category B, but it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

This medicine may cause drowsiness and should be used with caution after surgery. Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine. It may interact with other medications used during surgery, such as sedatives and pain relievers.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. It may cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of dental problems. Your dentist may recommend frequent sips of water or sugar-free gum to alleviate dry mouth.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Identify and avoid allergens that trigger your symptoms.
🥗
Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons.
😴
Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce indoor allergens.
💧
Wash bedding regularly in hot water to reduce dust mites.
🧘
Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables to support your immune system.
🌞
Stay hydrated to help thin mucus and relieve nasal congestion.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

This medicine may cause drowsiness in some individuals. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. If you experience dizziness or fatigue, rest and consult your doctor.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Include omega-3 rich foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts to reduce inflammation.
Reduce intake of processed foods and added sugars.
Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Consume foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges and bell peppers, to support immune health.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine may cause drowsiness, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. It is advisable to avoid such activities until you know how the medicine affects you. If your work requires alertness, discuss with your doctor about taking the dose at bedtime. The medicine should not affect your overall work performance once you understand its effects on you.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. If you experience severe side effects or your symptoms improve, your doctor may adjust or stop the treatment. Abrupt discontinuation is not associated with withdrawal symptoms, but it is best to follow your doctor's advice.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of this medicine is generally safe when taken as prescribed. However, regular monitoring of kidney function may be advised in patients with renal impairment. Tolerance to the antihistaminic effect does not develop. If you experience any unusual symptoms, consult your doctor. Periodic review of the need for continued therapy is recommended.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Allergen avoidance

Identifying and avoiding allergens can reduce the need for medication.

Evidence: Well-established
Nasal saline irrigation

Rinsing the nasal passages with saline can help relieve nasal congestion and allergy symptoms.

Evidence: Well-established
Immunotherapy

Allergy shots or sublingual tablets can desensitize the immune system over time.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

This medicine does not interact with vaccines. You can receive vaccinations while taking this medicine. However, if you are scheduled for allergy testing, inform your doctor, as antihistamines may interfere with skin test results.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (15-30°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate unless specified

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Keep away from direct sunlight

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging along with a copy of your prescription. Store it at room temperature and protect it from moisture and direct sunlight. If you are crossing time zones, continue taking your dose at the same time each day as prescribed. Check local customs regulations regarding carrying prescription medicines. Always keep your medicine in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss or exposure to extreme temperatures.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 30-year-old woman with seasonal allergic rhinitis
She started taking this medicine as prescribed for her sneezing and runny nose. Within a few days, her symptoms improved significantly. She experienced mild drowsiness initially, so she switched to taking it at bedtime, which helped her sleep better and reduced daytime drowsiness.
💡 Lesson: Taking this medicine at bedtime can help manage drowsiness while effectively controlling allergy symptoms.
👤 A 45-year-old man with chronic urticaria
He had persistent hives and itching for months. His doctor prescribed this medicine, and within a week, the hives reduced and itching subsided. He was advised to avoid alcohol and to monitor for any unusual symptoms.
💡 Lesson: Consistent use of this medicine can significantly improve chronic urticaria, but lifestyle modifications like avoiding alcohol are important.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: This medicine usually starts working within 1 hour after taking a dose.

Q: Can I take this medicine every day?

A: Yes, it can be taken daily as prescribed by your doctor for chronic conditions like allergic rhinitis or urticaria.

Q: Is it safe to take with other allergy medicines?

A: Consult your doctor before combining with other antihistamines, as it may increase side effects.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose?

A: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Q: Can I stop taking this medicine suddenly?

A: Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, especially if you have been taking it for a long time.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine long-term?
  • Will it affect my kidney function?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • Does it interact with my blood pressure medicine?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this?

🔄 Substitutes for letras tablet

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: Levocetirizine is a steroid.
    Fact: Levocetirizine is an antihistamine, not a steroid. It does not cause steroid-related side effects.
  • Myth: Levocetirizine can be taken for a common cold.
    Fact: Levocetirizine is effective for allergic symptoms but not for the common cold, which is usually caused by viruses.
  • Myth: Levocetirizine causes weight gain.
    Fact: Levocetirizine is not associated with weight gain. Some antihistamines may increase appetite, but this is not common with levocetirizine.
  • Myth: Levocetirizine is habit-forming.
    Fact: Levocetirizine is not habit-forming and does not cause dependence.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Levocetirizine 5 mg tablet

Brand Alternatives

  • Levocet 5 mg tablet
  • Levocetirizine 5 mg tablet (various brands)

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Levocetirizine","class":"Third-generation antihistamine","sedation":"Low","duration":"24 hours","onset":"1 hour"},{"medicine":"Cetirizine","class":"Second-generation antihistamine","sedation":"Low to moderate","duration":"24 hours","onset":"1 hour"},{"medicine":"Loratadine","class":"Second-generation antihistamine","sedation":"Very low","duration":"24 hours","onset":"1-3 hours"},{"medicine":"Fexofenadine","class":"Second-generation antihistamine","sedation":"Very low","duration":"24 hours","onset":"1-2 hours"}]

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