Glenzeth

Glencet, containing the active ingredient levocetirizine, is a second-generation antihistamine used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. Levocetirizine acts as a histamine H1 receptor blocker, effectively reducing allergic symptoms such as itching, runny nose and eye irritation.

Based on clinical data, levocetirizine demonstrates high efficacy and good tolerability in the treatment of allergic conditions. It has a rapid onset of action and a long period of activity, making it convenient to use for patients suffering from allergic reactions (Grant et al., 2002). In addition, levocetirizine can be used in the complex treatment of skin diseases accompanied by itching, such as eczema, demonstrating significant improvements in both subjective sensations and objective symptoms of diseases (Murashkin et al., 2011).

These properties make Glencet an important treatment for allergic reactions and related dermatological conditions.

Indikasjoner Glenceta

1. Allergic rhinitis (seasonal and year-round), accompanied by nasal congestion, runny nose, itching and sneezing.
2. Hives (corticosteroids are recommended for adjunctive treatment of severe forms of urticaria).
3. Allergic conjunctivitis (seasonal and year-round), accompanied by itching, lacrimation, redness and swelling of the conjunctiva.

Utgivelsesskjema

Glencet is usually available in the form of tablets for oral administration.

Farmakodynamikk

1. Mechanism of action:

   • Levocetirizine is an active metabolite of cetirizine, which is a second generation antihistamine.
   • It blocks H1 histamine receptors on the surface of cells, which prevents the action of histamine.
   • Histamine is a substance that is released in the body in response to an allergic reaction. Under the influence of histamine, vasodilation occurs, capillary permeability increases and allergic symptoms develop.

Farmakokinetikk

1. Absorption: Levocetirizine is usually well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Maximum plasma concentration is usually achieved 1-2 hours after administration.
2. Metabolism: Levocetirizine is almost not metabolized in the liver and remains virtually unchanged. This allows it to maintain its pharmacokinetic properties during long-term use.
3. Excretion: Levocetirizine is excreted primarily in the urine. Its excretion rate in urine is about 85% unchanged.
4. Half-life: The half-life of levocetirizine from the body is about 5-9 hours. This means that the drug can be taken once a day to ensure a stable concentration in the blood.
5. Effect of food: Food does not have a significant effect on the absorption or metabolism of levocetirizine, so the drug can be taken regardless of meals.
6. Interactions with other drugs: Levocetirizine is generally well tolerated and has a low potential for interaction with other drugs. However, when used concomitantly with drugs that may also cause central nervous system sedation, caution is recommended to avoid an increase in this effect.

Dosering og administrasjon

1. Method of application:

   • Glencet is usually taken orally, that is, through the mouth.
   • The tablet should be swallowed whole with a small amount of water.
   • The drug can be taken regardless of meals.

2. Dosage:

   • The dosage of Glencet may vary depending on the patient's age, the severity of allergy symptoms and the doctor's recommendations.
   • Usually, for adults and children aged 12 years and older, it is recommended to take 1 tablet (5 mg of levocetirizine) per day.
   • For children aged 6 to 12 years, half the adult dose is usually recommended, that is, 2.5 mg (half a tablet) once daily.

3. Duration of treatment:

   • The duration of taking Glencet is usually determined by your doctor depending on the nature and severity of allergic symptoms.
   • Usually the drug is taken until symptoms are completely relieved or as prescribed by your doctor.

Bruk Glenceta under graviditet

The use of levocetirizine (Glencet) during pregnancy should be done with caution, as safety data are limited. Levocetirizine is the active enantiomer of cetirizine, and like many other antihistamines, its use during pregnancy requires careful assessment of the risks and benefits.

Studies have not shown a significant increase in the risk of birth defects or other adverse outcomes with the use of levocetirizine during pregnancy, but the lack of data and potential risks require attention. For this reason, it is recommended that levocetirizine be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester when the fetal organs are being formed, and only used when strictly indicated and under the supervision of a physician.

For pregnant women who require treatment for allergic conditions, alternative treatment options that have a more established safety record during pregnancy should be considered. Always consult your doctor before starting any therapy during pregnancy.

Kontra

1. Hypersensitivity: People with known hypersensitivity to levocetirizine or any of the ingredients of the drug should not take Glencet.
2. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Data on the safety of levocetirizine during pregnancy and breastfeeding are limited, so its use during this period should only be done on the advice of a physician.
3. Children: Some forms of levocetirizine are not recommended for children under a certain age without consulting a doctor. For children, it is preferable to use forms specially designed for children.
4. Hepatic Impairment: Patients with severe hepatic impairment should avoid levocetirizine or use it with caution under medical supervision.
5. Kidney disease: If severe renal impairment is present, the dosage of levocetirizine may need to be adjusted or discontinued under medical supervision.
6. Use with other centrally acting agents: Levocetirizine may potentiate central nervous system depression and should therefore be used with caution in patients taking other medications that affect the central nervous system, such as sedatives or alcohol.

Bivirkninger Glenceta

1. Drowsiness or fatigue.
2. Dizziness.
3. Headache.
4. Dry mouth.
5. Stomach pain or diarrhea.
6. Runny nose.

Overdose

1. Drowsiness or fatigue.
2. Dizziness or instability.
3. Dry mouth.
4. Headache.
5. Increased heart rate (tachycardia).
6. Increased blood pressure.
7. More serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or coma, are rare.

Interaksjoner med andre legemidler

1. Central-acting drugs: Levocetirizine may enhance the sedative effect of other centrally acting drugs, such as hypnotics, sedatives and antidepressants. This may lead to an increased risk of unwanted effects such as drowsiness and lethargy.
2. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol together with levocetirizine may increase its sedative effect, causing increased drowsiness and lethargy.
3. Drugs metabolized through cytochrome P450 3A4: Levocetirizine does not significantly affect the activity of the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme, but some drugs that can be metabolized through this enzyme may affect the metabolism of levocetirizine. For example, cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole may increase the blood concentration of levocetirizine.
4. Drugs that increase gastrointestinal pH: Drugs such as antacids that increase gastrointestinal pH may decrease the rate and extent of absorption of levocetirizine from the gastrointestinal tract.