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Can Two Tablets Of Levocetirizine 5mg Be Taken Within 24 Hours?
Question: Dr Rauf gave me the suggestion to use a prescription here called levocetirizine. What I got has 5 mg. I have used it two nights. I looked at claritin 24 hrs. which has 10 mg of active ingredients, and others , 12 and 4 hours that have smaller mg. My itches have not stopped. Should I be usig 2 tablets in 24 hours?
Brief Answer:
You'd better not!
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I took a look at your dialog with Dr Rauf and you mentioned no rash. It could be xerodermia (which means dry skin). This is a common finding in older age. If the antihistamine (levocetirizine) at 5mg won't help then I would suggest trying a moisturizing lotion/cream.
If you'd like to increase the dosage to 10mg please take into account that 10mg will increase the drug's side effects like somnolence, dry mucosal surfaces (mouth, throat etc), urinary retention etc
Loratadine (claritin) 10mg is almost the equivalent of 5mg of levocetirizine. What I wrote about levocetirizine applies also for loratadine. So I would advise against using a second tablet on the same day.
If it's allergy then adding a H2-histamine antagonist like ranitidine may help. Corticosteroids can be used if the antihistamine regimen is not enough.
My suggestion would be to try the moisturizing lotion or cream and if it's not effective then try the antiallergic medication.
If all else fails perhaps you should try hydroxyzine. Hydroxyzine is a very potent drug against itching that has some sedative effect as well. In cases like yours I advise patients to start with 25mg.
I hope I've helped!
If you'd like further information, please use your follow-up questions.
Kind Regards!
You'd better not!
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I took a look at your dialog with Dr Rauf and you mentioned no rash. It could be xerodermia (which means dry skin). This is a common finding in older age. If the antihistamine (levocetirizine) at 5mg won't help then I would suggest trying a moisturizing lotion/cream.
If you'd like to increase the dosage to 10mg please take into account that 10mg will increase the drug's side effects like somnolence, dry mucosal surfaces (mouth, throat etc), urinary retention etc
Loratadine (claritin) 10mg is almost the equivalent of 5mg of levocetirizine. What I wrote about levocetirizine applies also for loratadine. So I would advise against using a second tablet on the same day.
If it's allergy then adding a H2-histamine antagonist like ranitidine may help. Corticosteroids can be used if the antihistamine regimen is not enough.
My suggestion would be to try the moisturizing lotion or cream and if it's not effective then try the antiallergic medication.
If all else fails perhaps you should try hydroxyzine. Hydroxyzine is a very potent drug against itching that has some sedative effect as well. In cases like yours I advise patients to start with 25mg.
I hope I've helped!
If you'd like further information, please use your follow-up questions.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you very much. I will stick to 1 tablet. I had already tried hydroxyzine with no help at all. That is what my doctor prescribed. I have a call in to the doctor and may have some more blood work. I am drinking a long of water, and will do the lotion again.
again, thank you.
again, thank you.
Brief Answer:
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome! I hope the lotion helps you!
Best wishes!
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome! I hope the lotion helps you!
Best wishes!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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