Levocetirizine in the treatment of allergic diseases

Background: Levocetirizine, the R-enantiomer of cetirizine dihydrochloride, is a new molecule with a potent and selective antihistamine activity. Objective: To investigate the evidence that levocetirizine is an effective therapy for allergic disease. Methods: Evaluation of published articles in English, or having an English abstract. Results: Clinical trials indicate that levocetirizine is safe and effective for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. The compound shows a rapid onset of action, high bioavailability and affinity for the H1 receptor. Moreover, this molecule demonstrates many anti-inflammatory effects that enhance the clinical therapeutic benefit not only in short-term but also in long-term treatments, as reported in recent trials utilizing levocetirizine for several months. Conclusion: Levocetirizine confirms its safe effective activity for treatment of allergic disease in both adults and children.