title: Levocetirizine: an update.
abstract: Histamine plays a prominent and diverse role in the pathophysiology of allergic disease and therapeutic intervention is therefore typically focused on blocking the effects of this biogenic amine. A new antihistamine, levocetirizine, is the R-enantiomer of cetirizine dihydrochloride and like its parent compound undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism. Levocetirizine has pharmacodynamically and pharmacokinetically favourable characteristics, including high bioavailability, rapid onset of action, limited distribution and a low degree of metabolism. Clinical trials indicate that it is safe and effective for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria with a minimal number of untoward effects. Furthermore, several recent studies have demonstrated that, in addition to its being a potent antihistamine, levocetirizine has several anti-inflammatory effects that are observed at clinically relevant concentrations that may enhance its therapeutic benefit.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK. g.m.walsh@abdn.ac.uk
authors.forename: Garry M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Walsh
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017332:Cetirizine / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010879:Piperazines / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D014581:Urticaria / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D010879:Piperazines; C472067:levocetirizine; D017332:Cetirizine