Arcet

Arcet Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Arcet is a brand name. Its generic name is Levocetirizine.

Arcet Introduction

Arcet is an antihistamine medication, prescribed to treat allergies such as hay fever, runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose and throat, and other allergic symptoms. It is also used to treat skin itching and hives.

Uses for Arcet

Arcet is used to treat the symptoms of allergies such as hay fever, runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose and throat, and other allergic symptoms. It is also used to treat skin itching and hives.

Mechanism of Action

Arcet works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance that the body releases during an allergic reaction. By blocking histamine, levocetirizine helps to reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Arcet usually takes about one hour to start working. However, it may take up to three hours for the full effect to be felt.

Absorption

Arcet is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak concentrations within 1 to 4 hours after oral administration.

Route of Elimination

Arcet is mainly eliminated through the kidneys by urinary excretion as the unchanged drug and its metabolites.

Dosage

The recommended dose of levocetirizine is 5 mg once daily, taken orally with or without food. It is not recommended for children under 6 years old. For children aged 6 to 12 years old, the recommended dose is 2.5 mg once daily.

Administration

Arcet should be taken orally, with or without food. It is available in tablets, chewable tablets, and oral solution.

Side Effects

Common side effects of levocetirizine include drowsiness, headache, fatigue, dry mouth, and diarrhea. Serious side effects include difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Toxicity

The symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, increased heart rate, tremor, and seizures. In case of an overdose, contact your doctor or local poison control center immediately.

Precaution

Before using levocetirizine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have any other illnesses or medical conditions, have any allergies, and are taking any other medications or supplements.

Interaction

Arcet may interact with other medications, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products.

Disease Interaction

People with certain diseases may be more likely to have serious side effects when taking levocetirizine. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following diseases or conditions: hepatic impairment, renal impairment, and depression.

Drug Interactions

Arcet may interact with other medications, including anticonvulsants, SSRIs, MAO inhibitors, opioid analgesics, sedatives, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, and drugs that affect the liver. Always tell your doctor about all the medications you take to reduce the risk of interactions.

Food Interactions

Certain foods may interact with levocetirizine and increase the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor about any dietary restrictions or allergies you may have.

Pregnancy Use

Arcet is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Lactation Use

Arcet passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a nursing infant. You should not breastfeed while taking levocetirizine.

Acute Overdose

The symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, increased heart rate, tremor, and seizures. In case of an overdose, contact your doctor or local poison control center immediately.

Contraindication

Arcet is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug and any of its ingredients.

Use Direction

Take levocetirizine as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed. Follow all directions on your prescription label.

Storage Condition

Store levocetirizine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not store in the bathroom.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution (Vd) of levocetirizine is estimated to be 6.5 L/kg.

Half Life

The elimination half life (t1/2) of levocetirizine is about 8.3 hours

Clearance

The clearance (Cl) of levocetirizine is approximately 0.44 L/h/kg.

Here you find in details version of Arcet

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Arcet

What is levocetirizine?

Arcet is an antihistamine which is a kind of drug used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and rashes. It is an over-the-counter medication.

How long does levocetirizine take to start working?

Arcet is fast-acting and takes effect in as little as 15 minutes.

How long do the effects of levocetirizine last?

Arcet can last for up to 24 hours.

Does levocetirizine have any side effects?

Possible side effects of levocetirizine include dry mouth, headache, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, and stomach pain.

Is levocetirizine a decongestant?

No, levocetirizine is not a decongestant.

How much levocetirizine can I take in a day?

The recommended dose of levocetirizine is 5 mg orally once a day.

Can levocetirizine be taken with other medications?

Yes, levocetirizine can be taken with other medications. However, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before doing so.

Is levocetirizine considered a sedative?

No, levocetirizine is not considered a sedative.

Can levocetirizine make allergies worse?

No, levocetirizine will not make allergies worse. In fact, it is often used to treat the symptoms of allergies.

Can levocetirizine be taken with vitamins?

Yes, levocetirizine can be taken with vitamins. However, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before doing so to ensure that it is safe to mix.

Does levocetirizine cause drowsiness?

The active ingredient in levocetirizine can cause drowsiness in some people. If you experience drowsiness after taking the medication, it is best to not drive or operate machinery until the effects have worn off.

Can levocetirizine be used to treat skin rashes?

Yes, levocetirizine is often used to treat skin rashes associated with allergies, such as hives.

Does levocetirizine interact with alcohol?

Yes, alcohol and levocetirizine can interact and can increase the risk of drowsiness, so it is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking levocetirizine.

What is the difference between levocetirizine and cetirizine?

Arcet and cetirizine are both antihistamines used to treat the symptoms of allergies. The main difference between the two is that levocetirizine is the active form of cetirizine, which means that it is absorbed better by the body and works faster.

Is levocetirizine safe for children?

Yes, levocetirizine is generally considered safe for children over the age of 6 years old, and the recommended dose is 2.5 mg or 5 mg once daily.

What forms of levocetirizine are available?

Arcet is available in oral tablet, oral syrup, and oral solution form.

Is levocetirizine safe during pregnancy?

The safety of levocetirizine during pregnancy has not been established. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking the medication.

Does levocetirizine cause weight gain?

No, there is no evidence to suggest that levocetirizine can cause weight gain.

Can levocetirizine be used to treat asthma?

No, levocetirizine is not used to treat asthma, as it is an antihistamine and does not affect the airways.

Can levocetirizine be used to treat hay fever?

Yes, levocetirizine is often used to treat the symptoms of hay fever, such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.

Does levocetirizine cause constipation?

Yes, in some cases levocetirizine can cause constipation.

Is levocetirizine available in generic form?

Yes, levocetirizine is available in generic form.

Can levocetirizine be used to treat insect bites?

Yes, levocetirizine is often used to treat the symptoms of insect bites such as itching, redness, and swelling.

How does levocetirizine work?

Arcet inhibits the release of histamine, which is a chemical in the body that causes allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and rashes.

Can levocetirizine be used to treat food allergies?

Yes, levocetirizine can be used to treat the symptoms of food allergies such as itching, redness, and swelling.

Can levocetirizine be used to treat an allergic reaction to a medication?

Yes, levocetirizine can be used to treat the symptoms of an allergic reaction to a medication such as itching, redness, and swelling.

Can levocetirizine be taken with anti-inflammatory medications?

Yes, levocetirizine can be taken with anti-inflammatory medications. However, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before doing so.

Can levocetirizine be taken with ibuprofen?

Yes, levocetirizine can be taken with ibuprofen. However, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before doing so.

Can levocetirizine be taken with acetaminophen?

Yes, levocetirizine can be taken with acetaminophen. However, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before doing so.

Can levocetirizine be used to treat eye allergies?

Yes, levocetirizine can be used to treat the symptoms of eye allergies, such as itching, swelling, and redness.

Can levocetirizine be used to treat hives?

Yes, levocetirizine is often used to treat the symptoms of hives, such as itching, redness, and swelling.

Can levocetirizine be used to treat pet allergies?

Yes, levocetirizine can be used to treat the symptoms of pet allergies such as itching, sneezing, and running nose.

Can levocetirizine be taken with food?

Yes, levocetirizine can be taken with food. However, it is recommended to take the medication after eating a meal to reduce the risk of side effects.

Is levocetirizine safe for long-term use?

Yes, it is generally safe for long-term use as long as it is taken as directed.

Can levocetirizine be used to treat a sinus infection?

No, levocetirizine is not used to treat a sinus infection, as it is an antihistamine and does not affect the airways.

Can levocetirizine be taken with anti-anxiety medications?

Yes, levocetirizine can be taken with anti-anxiety medications. However, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before doing so.

Will levocetirizine help with congestion?

No, levocetirizine is not used to treat congestion, as it is an antihistamine and does not affect the airways.

Can levocetirizine be taken with cold medications?

Yes, levocetirizine can be taken with cold medications. However, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before doing so.

Can levocetirizine be used to treat allergies caused by pollen?

Yes, levocetirizine is often used to treat the symptoms of allergies caused by pollen, such as sneezing, itching, and red, watery eyes.

Is levocetirizine safe for elderly people?

Yes, levocetirizine is generally considered safe for elderly people. However, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking the medication.

Will levocetirizine help me sleep?

Arcet may help you sleep in some cases, as it can cause drowsiness in some people. However, it is not recommended to take levocetirizine to help you sleep.