Levocetirizine

Antihistamine
ALSO SOLD WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION

Levocetirizine is a antihistamine found in 25 medicines sold in India, such as Levocet, Xyzal, Lecope 5. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Relieves allergic cold, sneezing, itchy eyes and skin allergies.

How it works

The active half of cetirizine, so the same effect at half the dose. Used for allergic rhinitis and hives.

How to take it

Adults and children over 6: 5 mg once a day, often in the evening, with or without food.

Common side effects

  • Drowsiness
  • Tiredness
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache

Get medical help straight away if

  • Allergic reaction
  • Difficulty passing urine

Be careful

Can cause drowsiness; avoid alcohol.

Other medicines and interactions

Alcohol and other sedatives add to drowsiness.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Data are more limited than for cetirizine; ask a doctor before using in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Brands of Levocetirizine (11)

Combination medicines that contain Levocetirizine (14)

Common questions

What is Levocetirizine used for?

Relieves allergic cold, sneezing, itchy eyes and skin allergies.

How does Levocetirizine work?

The active half of cetirizine, so the same effect at half the dose. Used for allergic rhinitis and hives.

How should I take Levocetirizine?

Adults and children over 6: 5 mg once a day, often in the evening, with or without food.

What are the side effects of Levocetirizine?

Common: Drowsiness, tiredness, dry mouth, headache. Get help straight away for: Allergic reaction, difficulty passing urine.

Does Levocetirizine interact with other medicines?

Alcohol and other sedatives add to drowsiness.

Is Levocetirizine safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Data are more limited than for cetirizine; ask a doctor before using in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Does Levocetirizine need a prescription in India?

It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.

Which brands contain Levocetirizine?

Cetcip-L, L Montus, L-Hist 5, L-Hist Mont, Laveta, Laveta M, Lecope 5, Levocet, Levocet M, Levocetrizen-5, Montair LC, Montas-L, Montek LC, Montemac L, Monticope, Montina L, Odimont-LC, Okacet L, Teczine, Teczine M, Telekast-L, Vozet, Xevor 5, Xyzal, Xyzal M 5/10.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.