Aleron

Aleron is an antiallergic substance from the category of 3rd generation antihistamines. Its active ingredient is levocetirizine (cetirizine R-enantiomer) – a therapeutically active derivative of hydroxyzine. [ 1 ]

The drug demonstrates antiallergic, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory and antiexudative effects on the body. Along with this, an intense antihistamine effect is recorded.

Levocetirizine blocks the activity of peripheral H1 histamine receptors and prevents histamine release by stabilizing the walls of labrocytes. The component is highly selective for H1 histamine endings – their activity is significantly blocked; however, the medication does not affect the activity of m-cholinergic and serotonin endings. [ 2 ]

Indications Alerona

It is used in the treatment and prevention of allergic diseases occurring in the active or chronic phase. Among such pathologies:

• rhinitis of allergic etiology and conjunctivitis;
• hay fever;
• urticaria;
• Quincke's edema;
• dermatoses of an allergic nature, during which symptoms such as itching, burning and rash on the mucous membranes and epidermis develop. [ 3 ]

Release form

The drug is released in tablets - 10 pieces in a cell pack; in a box - 1 or 3 such packs.

Pharmacodynamics

To achieve a clinical effect, half the volume of levocetirizine is required compared to cetirizine, because the former forms a more powerful bond with the endings.

The effect of the drug leads to a decrease in the production of chemokines with proinflammatory cytokines, and in addition to this, to the suppression of eosinophilic adhesion and chemotaxis, as well as the expression of adhesive molecules. The activity of levocetirizine causes a weakening of IgE-dependent secretion of histamine, PG-D2, and leukotriene type C4. Along with this, the drug suppresses the thrombocyte-activating epidermal factor.

As a result, the medicine significantly reduces the intensity of various allergic disorders (including allergic rhinitis). People with seasonal forms of the disease can use Aleron as a substance that prevents the development of allergy symptoms.

The drug demonstrates high activity in asthma and cold urticaria. It should be noted that levocetirizine does not suppress the activity of the central nervous system and does not have a toxic effect on the heart. [ 4 ]

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, the drug is absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract at high speed; food intake has almost no effect on the degree of absorption, only slightly reducing its rate.

The bioavailability values of the substance are 100%. The highest concentration of the active element in the blood is noted after 0.9-1 hour; 90% is synthesized with blood protein.

A small amount of levocetirizine is involved in intrahepatic metabolic processes, during which an inactive metabolic component is formed.

The half-life is 7-10 hours. Within 96 hours, the drug is completely excreted from the body. Most of it is excreted by the kidneys, and about 13% by the intestines. [ 5 ]

Dosing and administration

The medicine is used orally; the tablets should be swallowed with plenty of plain water. The portion sizes and duration of the treatment cycle are selected by the doctor, based on the diagnosis. Usually 1 tablet (5 mg) is used once a day. An adult can take a maximum of 10 g of the medicine per day.

In case of short-term contact of the patient with the allergen, the therapy should be continued for 7 days; in case of hay fever, the treatment should last 3-6 weeks. If necessary, the therapeutic cycle can last up to six months. The scheme of using Aleron Neo is similar.

Individuals with renal impairment require dosage adjustment.

Use Alerona during pregnancy

There is not enough information regarding the use of Aleron during breastfeeding and pregnancy. Pregnant women are prescribed the drug with great caution, only in situations where the possible benefit from it is more expected than the risks of negative consequences. [ 6 ]

Since levocetirizine is secreted in breast milk, breastfeeding is discontinued during therapy.

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

• severe intolerance to the components of the drug and piperazine derivatives;
• severe renal failure;
• galactosemia;
• malabsorption of glucose-galactose.

Side effects Alerona

Possible side effects include:

• problems with the cardiovascular system: sensation of the heart beating too hard;
• disorders associated with the functioning of the central nervous system: drowsiness, aggressiveness, increased fatigue, anxiety, and in addition weakness, convulsions and headaches; [ 7 ]
• disorders of hepatobiliary function: hepatitis; [ 8 ]
• visual impairment: visual impairment;
• immune manifestations: swelling or anaphylaxis;
• respiratory dysfunction: dyspnea;
• gastrointestinal disorders: xerostomia or nausea;
• epidermal lesions: rashes, urticaria or epidermal itching; [ 9 ]
• Other symptoms: weight gain, abdominal pain and myalgia.

Overdose

The use of large doses of drugs led to severe drowsiness or excessive excitement, which was then replaced by drowsiness.

If intoxication develops, gastric lavage and enterosorbents are used, after which symptomatic procedures are carried out.

Interactions with other drugs

Repeated administration of theophylline causes a slight decrease in levocetirizine clearance rates.

It is prohibited to combine the drug with sedatives. [ 10 ]

Storage conditions

Aleron must be stored in a dark and moisture-proof place. Temperature values should not exceed 25°C.

Shelf life

Aleron is allowed to be used within a 2-year period from the date of sale of the pharmaceutical product.

Application for children

Levocetirizine at a dose of 1.25 and 2.5 mg/day is well tolerated in children aged 6–11 months and children aged 1–5 years, respectively. [ 11 ]

Analogues

Analogues of the drug are the substances Cezera, Alerzin, Cetrilev with Glencet, as well as Xizal, etc. [ 12 ]

Reviews

Aleron receives positive feedback from patients (although in general there are quite a few comments about this medicine). It is stated that the medicine improves the condition of people with allergic symptoms, effectively eliminating the symptoms of allergies.