Levocetirizine: a new selective H1 receptor antagonist for use in allergic disorders.
Levocetirizine is the active R-enantiomer of cetirizine and represents a new second-generation histamine H(1) antagonist. It has a high affinity and selectivity for H(1) receptors. Comparative studies have shown evidence of superior H(1) receptor binding affinity over its racemate, cetirizine. Levocetirizine has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile; it is rapidly and extensively absorbed, minimally metabolized, and has a lower volume of distribution (V(d)) than some other second-generation antihistamines. A number of studies using the histamine-induced wheal and flare model have repeatedly demonstrated marked suppressive effects for levocetirizine. Levocetirizine has also been found to be effective in relieving symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, including nasal congestion, and its side effects are minor.
Division of Allergy and Immunology, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. dayj@kgh.kari.net
James H
JH
Day
Anne K
AK
Ellis
Elizabeth
E
Rafeiro
D017332:Cetirizine / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy*
D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating; D010879:Piperazines; C472067:levocetirizine; D017332:Cetirizine