Levocetirizine: a modern H₁-antihistamine for the treatment of allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Levocetirizine is the latest of the H₁-antihistamines indicated for adults and children (as young as 2 years old) suffering from allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. Currently, it is the only therapy registered for treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis, as defined by the Allergic Rhinitis & its Impact on Asthma guidelines. Pharmacologic studies have shown levocetirizine to have a more favorable pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile than other commonly employed H₁-antihistamines. This reflects its superiority in controlling the symptoms of seasonal, perennial and persistent allergic rhinitis in well-controlled trials. Clinical trials and postmarketing surveillance have indicated that levocetirizine is safe and well tolerated, and leads to clinically significant improvements in the quality of life of patients. It is also reported to reduce comorbidities as well as overall treatment costs when administered continuously over the longterm.

Keywords::

• allergic rhinitis
• ARIA guidelines
• H1-antihistamines
• health-related quality of life
• levocetirizine
• persistent allergic rhinitis
• pharmacodynamic profile
• pharmacokinetic profile
• XPERT
• xyzal