Alcet 5 mg

Description

Indications
Alcet is used for the treatment of allergic conditions, including:

• Perennial allergic rhinitis
• Seasonal allergic rhinitis
• Chronic idiopathic urticaria

Use this medication only as directed by a registered physician.

Pharmacology
Alcet contains Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride, the active (Levo) isomer of cetirizine. It is a highly effective, well-tolerated, non-sedating antihistamine with strong antiallergic properties. Levocetirizine has twice the affinity for H1 receptors compared to cetirizine, leading to enhanced effectiveness. It provides rapid and long-lasting relief, making it suitable for once-daily dosing.

Dosage & Administration

• Adults and children (12 years and older): 5 mg once daily.
• Children (6 to 11 years): 2.5 mg (½ tablet or 1 teaspoon of oral solution) once daily.
• Children (6 months to 5 years): 1.25 mg (½ teaspoon of oral solution) once daily.
• Pediatric Use: For chronic idiopathic urticaria in patients aged 6 months to 17 years, the recommended dose is based on adult efficacy data.
• Geriatric Use: Limited clinical data is available for patients aged 65 and above to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.
• Hepatic Impairment: No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with liver impairment.
• Renal Impairment:
  • Mild impairment (Creatinine clearance: 50-80 ml/min): 2.5 mg once daily.
  • Moderate impairment (Creatinine clearance: 30-50 ml/min): 2.5 mg once every other day.
  • Severe impairment (Creatinine clearance: 10-30 ml/min): 2.5 mg twice weekly (every 3-4 days).
  • End-stage renal disease (Creatinine clearance <10 ml/min) or patients on hemodialysis: Not recommended.

Use this medication only as directed by a registered physician.

Drug Interactions
No known significant drug interactions have been reported with Alcet.

Contraindications
Alcet should not be used in patients with:

• Hypersensitivity to Levocetirizine, Cetirizine, or Hydroxyzine.
• Severe renal impairment (Creatinine clearance <10 ml/min).

Side Effects
Levocetirizine is generally well tolerated. However, some rare side effects may include:

• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Skin rash

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy (Category B): No well-controlled studies are available in pregnant women. Alcet should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary.
• Lactation: Since Levocetirizine is excreted in breast milk, it is not recommended for nursing mothers.

Precautions & Warnings

• Patients with epilepsy or those at risk of convulsions should use Alcet with caution.
• Patients with renal impairment should follow dosage adjustments accordingly.
• Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be based on a doctor’s recommendation.

Overdose Effects
No significant adverse effects have been reported in overdose cases. In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment is advised.

Therapeutic Class
Non-sedating antihistamines

Storage Conditions
Store in a dry place at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Protect from light.