Montelukast + Levocetirizine Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Montelukast + Levocetirizine Tablet combines a leukotriene receptor antagonist (montelukast) with an antihistamine (levocetirizine) to treat allergic rhinitis symptoms when an antihistamine alone is not enough. It relieves sneezing, runny or blocked nose, and itchy, watery eyes caused by seasonal or year-round allergens. It may also be used alongside regular asthma treatment but does not replace a reliever or controller inhaler.

What is Montelukast + Levocetirizine Tablet

This medicine combines two drugs, montelukast and levocetirizine, used together to treat allergic rhinitis symptoms when an antihistamine alone is not enough.

Montelukast + Levocetirizine Tablet uses

• Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever): relieves sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy, watery eyes caused by pollen and other seasonal allergens
• Perennial allergic rhinitis: manages year-round nasal allergy symptoms triggered by indoor allergens such as dust mites and pet dander
• Allergic rhinitis with nasal congestion: helps reduce nasal blockage, sneezing, and a runny nose when both medicines are considered necessary
• Allergic rhinitis with eye symptoms: eases itching and watering of the eyes that occur along with nasal allergy symptoms
• Allergic rhinitis in people with coexisting asthma: may be prescribed as an add-on to regular asthma treatment; it does not replace a reliever or controller inhaler

Benefits of Montelukast + Levocetirizine Tablet

• Relieves allergic rhinitis symptoms through two complementary actions
• May work better than montelukast alone for reducing nasal congestion and runny nose

How Montelukast + Levocetirizine Tablet works

Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that blocks histamine, the chemical that causes sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. Montelukast blocks leukotrienes, chemicals released during allergic inflammation that increase swelling and mucus production in the nose and narrow the airways. Together, they target two different pathways involved in allergic rhinitis.

Montelukast + Levocetirizine Tablet dosage

This medicine must be taken at the same time each day to work properly, even if symptoms seem better. It may be taken with or without food. Children should receive this medicine only in the dose and dosage form prescribed by a doctor, since higher-strength tablets meant for adults should not be given to young children.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule; do not take two doses at once. People with asthma should keep their prescribed rescue inhaler available, since this combination does not replace an inhaler or other controller medicines.

Available forms and strengths

• Oral tablets
• Chewable tablets
• Dispersible tablets
• Syrup

Montelukast 10 mg + Levocetirizine 5 mg

Side effects of Montelukast + Levocetirizine Tablet

Common

• Drowsiness or sleepiness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting

Serious

• Mood or behavioural changes
• Swelling of the face or throat
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Serious skin reaction
• Agitation, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm
• Signs of blood vessel disease such as pins and needles, numbness in arms or legs, flu-like symptoms, rash, or sinus pain or swelling

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to levocetirizine, cetirizine, montelukast, or any other ingredient in the product.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking rifampicin, phenobarbital, ritonavir, theophylline, sedatives, or other medicines that depress the central nervous system, since these may need monitoring or dose adjustment.
• This medicine may cause some people to become agitated, disoriented, irritable, or have other unusual behavior, including suicidal thoughts. Report any troubling thoughts or behavior changes to the doctor right away, especially if they are new or getting worse.
• Patients with asthma should always keep their prescribed rescue inhaler available, since this combination does not substitute for an inhaler or other controller medicine.
• Do not take this medicine during pregnancy unless your doctor advises it. Your doctor will only recommend it after carefully weighing the possible benefits and risks.
• Do not take this medicine while breastfeeding unless your doctor advises it. Watch the baby for unusual sleepiness, irritability, or poor feeding.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. This medicine should not be used in people with end-stage kidney disease, very low kidney function, or those on dialysis.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease before taking this medicine.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase drowsiness and reduce mental alertness.
• This medicine may cause drowsiness, sleepiness, fatigue, or dizziness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing tasks that need full alertness until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
• Store the chewable tablets, oral granules, and tablets in its original package or container.

When to see a doctor

• Stop taking the medicine and get emergency medical help if you develop mood or behavior changes, swelling of the face or throat, severe difficulty breathing, or a serious skin reaction.
• Get medical help right away if you have feelings of pins and needles or numbness in your arms or legs, flu-like symptoms, rash, or pain or swelling around the sinuses, as these could be signs of a rare blood vessel condition.
• If you take more than the prescribed dose and have symptoms like drowsiness, stomach pain, headache, vomiting, excessive thirst, restlessness, or agitation, contact your doctor or the nearest emergency medical centre right away.

Alternatives

• Montelukast Tablet
• Levocetirizine Tablet
• Cetirizine Tablet
• Desloratadine Tablet