Glenceth

Glencet, containing the active ingredient levocetirizine, is a second-generation antihistamine used to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. Levocetirizine acts as an H1-histamine 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, which makes it convenient to use for patients suffering from allergic reactions (Grant et al., 2002). In addition, levocetirizine can be used in the complex therapy 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 agent for the relief of symptoms in allergic reactions and related dermatological conditions.

Indications Glencetha

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

Release form

Glencet is usually available as a tablet to take by mouth.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Mechanism of action:

   • Levocetirizine is the 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, blood vessels dilate, capillary permeability increases, and allergic symptoms develop.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Levocetirizine is generally well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are usually reached 1-2 hours after administration.
2. Metabolism: Levocetirizine is almost not metabolized in the liver, and remains virtually unchanged. This allows it to retain its pharmacokinetic properties during long-term use.
3. Excretion: Levocetirizine is excreted primarily in urine. The urinary excretion rate is approximately 85% unchanged.
4. Elimination half-life: The elimination half-life of levocetirizine in the body is about 5-9 hours. This means that the drug can be taken once a day to ensure stable blood concentrations.
5. Effect of food: Food intake does not significantly affect the absorption or metabolism of levocetirizine, so the drug can be taken without regard to food intake.
6. Interactions with other drugs: Levocetirizine is generally well tolerated and has a low potential for interactions with other drugs. However, when co-administered with drugs that may also have a sedative effect on the central nervous system, caution is recommended to avoid enhancing this effect.

Dosing and administration

1. Directions for use:

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

2. Dosage:

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

3. Duration of admission:

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

Use Glencetha during pregnancy

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 risk-benefit assessment.

Studies have shown no 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 to avoid the use of levocetirizine during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester when the fetal organs are being laid down, and to take it only under strict indications 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 physician before starting any therapy during pregnancy.

Contraindications

1. Hypersensitivity: People with a known hypersensitivity to levocetirizine or to any of the ingredients of the drug should not take Glencet.
2. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is limited information on the safety of levocetirizine during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so its use during this period should only be carried out on the advice of a doctor.
3. Paediatrics: Some forms of levocetirizine are not recommended for use in 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 using levocetirizine or use it with caution under medical supervision.
5. Kidney disease: In the presence of severe renal impairment, dosage adjustment of levocetirizine or its discontinuation under physician supervision may be necessary.
6. Use with other centrally acting agents: Levocetirizine may increase central nervous system depression and should therefore be used with caution in patients taking other drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as sedatives or alcohol.

Side effects Glencetha

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

Overdose

1. Drowsiness or fatigue.
2. Dizziness or unsteadiness.
3. Dry mouth.
4. Headache.
5. Increased heart rate (tachycardia).
6. Increased blood pressure.
7. Rarely, more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or coma may occur.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Centrally acting drugs: Levocetirizine may enhance the sedative effects of other centrally acting drugs such as hypnotics, antianxiety drugs and antidepressants. This may lead to an increased risk of adverse effects such as drowsiness and lethargy.
2. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol with levocetirizine may enhance its sedative effects, causing increased drowsiness and lethargy.
3. Drugs Metabolized via Cytochrome P450 3A4: Levocetirizine does not significantly affect the activity of the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme, but some drugs that can be metabolized via 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.