adorable baby smiling with joy

Peds Calc

Pediatric Reference

Levocetirizine Side EffectsComprehensive Pediatric Safety Guide

Levocetirizine is a low-sedating antihistamine; most adverse effects are mild and transient.

4 Categories
6 Clinical Sources
Evidence-Based
Back to Levocetirizine Overview

Essential Information

1

Give in the evening if drowsiness occurs

2

Encourage hydration to reduce dry mouth

3

Stop and call immediately for facial swelling, wheeze, or persistent behavior changes

Clinical Overview

Somnolence, fatigue, and dry mouth occur in a minority of patients. Rarely, behavioral changes or allergic reactions may develop—stop the medicine if concerning symptoms arise.

Side Effect Categories

4 Systems

Central nervous system

2 documented effects

Total Sources: 3

Somnolence / fatigue

Incidence: Uncommon
Onset: Not specified
mild
2 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Administer at bedtime; monitor school performance

Monitoring Guidelines

Assess for daytime sleepiness or difficulty concentrating

2 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Behavior changes (irritability, agitation)

Incidence: Rare
Onset: Not specified
moderate
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop the medication and discuss alternative therapy

Monitoring Guidelines

Parents should watch for mood changes, especially in younger children

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Gastrointestinal

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Diarrhea / nausea

Incidence: Common in toddlers
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Give with food and maintain hydration

Monitoring Guidelines

Reassess if symptoms persist beyond a few days

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

ENT / respiratory

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Nasopharyngitis / upper respiratory symptoms

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Symptomatic care (saline, humidifier)

Monitoring Guidelines

Distinguish from infection needing evaluation

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Dermatologic / hypersensitivity

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Rash, pruritus, or angioedema

Incidence: Rare
Onset: Not specified
severe
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop immediately; seek urgent care for facial swelling or breathing difficulty

Monitoring Guidelines

Educate families about signs of allergic reaction

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Parent Communication Guide

Age-Appropriate Explanations

Infants (0-12 months)

For babies taking Levocetirizine, watch for signs of side effects. This medication is generally well-tolerated in infants when used as directed.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

This allergy medicine usually doesn’t make kids sleepy, but tell us about tummy troubles or cranky behavior.

Children (4-12 years)

Let us know if you feel extra tired, dizzy, or if your stomach hurts.

Adolescents (13+ years)

Avoid alcohol or other sedating medicines. Report any unusual tiredness, mood changes, or swelling right away.

Common Parent Concerns

Q: Mild drowsiness

A: Switch to bedtime dosing and monitor. Persistent daytime sleepiness warrants reassessment.

When to validate: Contact clinician if school or activities are affected

Q: Behavior changes

A: Stop the medication and call if your child becomes unusually irritable or agitated.

When to validate: Immediate evaluation for severe mood changes or aggression

Clinical Decision Support

Severity Assessment Framework

Classify levocetirizine adverse effects to guide action.

Mild
Indicators: Occasional drowsiness, Mild diarrhea
Action: Continue with evening dosing and supportive care
Moderate
Indicators: Persistent daytime fatigue, Behavior changes, GI symptoms affecting hydration
Action: Consider dose reduction, drug holiday, or alternative therapy
Severe
Indicators: Angioedema, Severe agitation, Anaphylaxis
Action: Stop levocetirizine immediately and treat per emergency protocols

Treatment Decision Guidelines

Immediate Discontinuation

  • Hypersensitivity with swelling or breathing difficulty
  • Severe behavioral changes

Consider Alternatives

  • Persistent somnolence
  • GI intolerance

Dose Modification

  • Mild drowsiness

Clinical References

Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride Oral Solution — DailyMedU.S. National Library of Medicine (2025)Label
Levocetirizine — MedlinePlus Drug InformationMedlinePlus / NIH (2025)Patient Education

Frequently Asked Questions

Parent and clinician concerns about Levocetirizine