What should you know about levocetirizine for hives?

Hives are raised, itchy areas that can appear and fade as histamine acts in the skin. Levocetirizine is an oral antihistamine that reduces histamine signalling, so the welts and itching may become less troublesome. It is useful for symptoms, while the trigger may still need attention.

Hives can occur with infection, medicines, pressure, heat or no obvious trigger. Swelling deeper under the skin is called angioedema and may affect the lips, eyelids, hands or throat. A clinician may need to distinguish hives from another rash before recommending a treatment plan.

Take levocetirizine only as directed on the label or by your clinician, and do not double a missed dose. Drowsiness can occur, so see how you respond before driving or using machinery; alcohol and other sedating medicines may increase that effect. Tell a pharmacist or doctor about kidney problems, pregnancy, breastfeeding and all other medicines.

Call emergency services for hives with trouble breathing, throat tightness, faintness, wheezing or swelling of the tongue. These may signal a severe allergic reaction. Seek medical advice when hives keep returning, last beyond a short episode, leave bruising, or occur with fever, joint pain or illness. Persistent symptoms may need a different evaluation or treatment.

Ask what may be triggering the hives, how long to use levocetirizine, whether your other medicines interact with it, and what plan to follow if one antihistamine is not enough.