Lerex 5 mg Tablet

Non-sedating antihistamine (active form of cetirizine) for:

• Allergic rhinitis (seasonal and year-round)
• Chronic urticaria (hives) and itching

Adults and children 6 years and over: 5 mg once daily (preferably in the evening).

Children 2–6 years: 1.25 mg (2.5 ml of 0.5 mg/ml syrup) twice daily.

Kidney impairment: CrCl 50–79: 5 mg daily; 30–49: 5 mg every 2 days; < 30: 5 mg every 3 days; contraindicated in end-stage kidney disease.

• Allergy to levocetirizine, cetirizine or hydroxyzine
• End-stage kidney disease (CrCl < 10)
• Children under 2 years (tablets under 6 years)

Common: drowsiness, tiredness, headache, dry mouth.

Less common: abdominal pain, weakness.

Rare: palpitations, urinary retention, weight gain, aggression or agitation, itching after stopping long-term use.

• May cause drowsiness — avoid driving and alcohol if affected.
• Enlarged prostate, urinary retention, epilepsy: caution.
• Stop 3 days before allergy skin tests.

May be used in pregnancy if needed (cetirizine data reassuring). Passes into milk — use with caution while breastfeeding.

• Alcohol and sedatives (more drowsiness)
• Ritonavir (raises levels slightly)

Drowsiness (adults), agitation then drowsiness (children). Supportive care.

Store below 30°C.