Cetirizine and Levocetirizine Comparison

Clinical Efficacy and Safety

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends that cetirizine 10 mg may cause mild drowsiness in 13.7% of patients versus 6.3% with placebo 1
The British Association of Dermatologists suggests that both cetirizine and levocetirizine doses should be halved in moderate renal impairment, and avoided in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <10 mL/min) 2
The FDA categorizes both cetirizine and levocetirizine as Pregnancy Category B drugs, and recommends avoiding all antihistamines in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester 2

The National Kidney Foundation recommends that cetirizine and levocetirizine doses should be adjusted in patients with renal impairment, with a recommended dose reduction of 50% in moderate renal impairment 2
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that cetirizine and levocetirizine should be used with caution in pregnancy, and only when the benefits outweigh the risks 2