Based on the available data, we compare pharmacological and clinical properties of levocetirizine with other main antihistamines.

Levocetirizine is the pharmacologically active enantiomer of cetirizine and one of the most often used antihistaminic drugs. It is a potent, selective, oral histamine H1 receptor antagonist of the second generation. Levocetirizine has an advantageous pharmacological profile including high bioavailability, rapid onset of action, high affinity for the H1-receptor, limited volume of distribution, minimal hepatic metabolism, a low potential for drug interactions and a lack of effect on the cardiovascular system, cognition and psychomotor function.

Levocetirizine is licensed for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) for adults and children aged 2 years and older.

In the USA Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved levocetirizine for use in adults in May 2007 and for children in January 2008 and it is currently approved for adults and children >6 months with chronic idiopathic urticaria and persistent AR, and for adults and children aged >2 years with seasonal AR.

Large, well designed randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of levocetirizine for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria both in adults and children.