Montelukast + Levocetirizine

Montelukast + Levocetirizine — Uses and Benefits

This combination is mainly used to treat allergic rhinitis (seasonal or year-round) along with symptoms that overlap with mild asthma.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Relief of sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose and itching due to allergies
• Relief of itchy, watery eyes caused by allergies
• Add-on treatment to help control allergic symptoms in people who also have asthma

HOW IT WORKS

• Montelukast blocks leukotrienes, chemicals that cause airway swelling and narrowing
• Levocetirizine blocks histamine, a chemical that causes sneezing, itching and runny nose
• Together they reduce both the inflammatory and allergic symptoms

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not for treating a sudden asthma attack or breathing emergency
• Not a substitute for a reliever inhaler
• Not used for common cold or bacterial sinus infection
• Not for treating skin infections or non-allergic skin conditions

How to Use Montelukast + Levocetirizine

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily in the evening
• Swallow the tablet with water; it can be taken with or without food
• Do not crush or chew unless your doctor/pharmacist says it is fine for your specific formulation
• Take at the same time each day for best effect
• Continue for the full duration advised, even if you feel better, unless told otherwise

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember on the same day
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original packaging until ready to use
• Keep out of reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Montelukast + Levocetirizine — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Drowsiness or sleepiness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Stomach upset

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Skin rash
• Sleep disturbances or unusual dreams

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Mood changes, anxiety, depression, agitation or unusual behaviour
• Signs of allergic reaction: swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing, severe rash
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (possible liver problem)
• Severe drowsiness affecting daily activities
• Fast or irregular heartbeat

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Montelukast + Levocetirizine — Safety Information and Precautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to montelukast, levocetirizine, cetirizine or hydroxyzine
• Have severe kidney disease without medical guidance
• Are a child below the age recommended by your doctor for this combination

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have a history of seizures
• Have mental health conditions like depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Need to drive or operate machinery, as drowsiness can occur

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other antihistamines or sedating medicines (increased drowsiness)
• Alcohol (increases sedative effect)
• Certain medicines for seizures or mental health conditions
• Theophylline and some other asthma medicines

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine daily for a long time?

Some people take it long-term for chronic allergies, but duration should be decided by your doctor based on your condition.

Will this medicine make me sleepy?

Levocetirizine can cause drowsiness in some people, so avoid driving or risky tasks until you know how it affects you.

Can children take this combination?

• It may be prescribed to children in specific age groups and doses set by a paediatrician; do not give it on your own.
• This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India. Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.