ALMOST TAB
ALMOST ™ Tablets
Composition:-Each uncoated tablet
contains- Levocetirizine dihydrochloride 5mg.
Descriptions:-Selective, long
acting peripheral H1 receptor antagonist antihistamine. The increased polarity
of Levocetirizine may decrease distribution of the drug into the CNS, resulting
in reduce potential for adverse CNS effects. Tolerance does not occur. As it
does not readily cross the blood brain barrier, it does not cause sedation or
interfere with mental alertness or memory function.
Indication: - Seasonal allergic
rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis, ocular symptom (redness, lacrimation and
itching), chronic idiopathic urticaria, urticaria dermographism, atopic eczema
and contract dermatitis, also in acute allergic reactions due to drugs, food
and insect bites.
Dosage: - Adult and children
above 6 years: 5 mg single intake orally. Children below 6 years: No adjusted
dose. Elderly: Adjust dose on the basis of renal function. Pregnancy: Use with
caution. Lactation: Use with caution as secreted in breast milk.
Side
effects: - All medicines may cause side effects, but
many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of
these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using
Levocetirizine:
Drowsiness; dry mouth; sore throat; tiredness.
Seek
medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when
using Levocetirizine:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives;
itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth,
face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); dark urine; fainting; fever;
irregular heartbeat; mental or mood changes (eg, aggression, agitation);
seizure; severe or persistent dizziness; shortness of breath; yellowing of the
eyes or skin.
Contraindications:- Hypersensitivity to levocetirizine,
cetirizine, or its parent compound hydroxyzine.
Patients
with severe renal impairment (<10 ml/min creatinine clearance) should not be
administered Almost tablet.
Patients with rare hereditary problems of
galactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or
glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.
Drug
Interactions: - In vitro
data indicate that levocetirizine is unlikely to produce pharmacokinetic
interactions through inhibition or induction of liver drug-metabolizing
enzymes. No in vivo
drug-drug interaction studies have been performed with levocetirizine. Drug
interaction studies have been performed with racemic cetirizine.
Antipyrine, Azithromycin, Cimetidine, Erythromycin, Ketoconazole,
Theophylline, and Pseudoephedrine
Pharmacokinetic interaction studies performed
with racemic cetirizine demonstrated that cetirizine did not interact with
antipyrine, pseudoephedrine, erythromycin, azithromycin, ketoconazole, and
cimetidine. There was a small decrease (~16%) in the clearance of cetirizine
caused by a 400 mg dose of theophylline. It is possible that higher
theophylline doses could have a greater effect.
Ritonavir
Ritonavir increased the plasma AUC of
cetirizine by about 42% accompanied by an increase in half-life (53%) and a
decrease in clearance (29%) of cetirizine. The disposition of ritonavir was not
altered by concomitant cetirizine administration.
Warnings and precautions:-Precaution
is recommended with the intake of alcohol and in those who are on
central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Avoid engaging
in hazardous
occupations requiring complete mental alertness, such as
driving or operatingmachinery, when taking levocetirizine.
Presentation:- ALMOST tablets are available in blister
strip of 10's. 10 such strips in a carton.
Disclaimer: The above
information is for general understanding of the visitor. Please consult a
registered medical practitioner before taking the aforesaid medicine.
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