There are several generations of antihistamines, and it is important to know that old first-generation antihistamines, created more than 50 years ago, have a pronounced sedative effect when used and can cause side effects such as dryness in the mouth and nasopharynx, urinary retention, and constipation. They act for a short time, which is why they must be taken 3–4 times a day. In addition, when using old antihistamines, tolerance develops. New-generation antihistamines differ from their predecessors by high efficacy and safety, a rapid onset of action, minimum side effects, and ease of use (one tablet a day is sufficient). A representative of the new-generation antihistamine anti-allergic drugs is L-Cet® by the pharmaceutical company "Kusum Healthcare Pvt Ltd". The active substance of L-Cet® — levocetirizine — was created based on a scientific discovery that was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2001. L-Cet® is available in tablet and syrup forms.

As is well known, hay fever and urticaria are characterized by a sharp decrease in the patients' work capacity and quality of life. A patient with hay fever suffers from nasal discharge, nasal congestion, itching in the nose/eyes, and sneezing. A patient with urticaria suffers from itching, burning, and skin rashes. Firstly, L-Cet significantly reduces these symptoms; therefore, its use contributes to improving the quality of life and restoring work capacity. Secondly, L-Cet has a rapid onset of anti-allergic action – as early as 12 minutes after administration (in 50% of patients). Thirdly, L-Cet has practically no sedative effect, which is very important for people leading an active lifestyle. Fourthly, L-Cet has a high safety profile and minimum side effects. Its use is permitted for children (from two years old in syrup form, from six years old in tablet form), and no dosage adjustment is required for elderly patients. Fifthly, L-Cet is convenient to use – just 1 tablet per day. And finally, L-Cet is a modern, high-quality drug for allergy treatment at an affordable price.

Allergy is a pathologically increased reaction of the body to certain substances-allergens (for example, pollen), which normally do not cause morbid phenomena. A malfunction of the immune system is involved in the occurrence of allergies. The immune system suddenly begins to react to completely harmless substances (for example, the pollen of flowering plants) as dangerous ones. At the same time, so-called antibodies are produced in large quantities in the body against the pollen. When antibodies come into contact with the allergen (pollen), the concentration of a biologically active substance – histamine – increases in the body. It is histamine that causes nasal congestion, profuse watery nasal discharge, sneezing fits, itching of the nose, itching and redness of the eyes, and lacrimation. Antihistamines prevent the manifestation of histamine effects. And as long as a patient with hay fever takes antihistamines, the symptoms of hay fever decrease. As soon as the intake of antihistamines stops, the symptoms of hay fever return. Unfortunately, for now, medicine cannot eliminate the cause of the allergy (a failure in the immune system leading to allergy), but can only reduce the negative consequence of this failure – by blocking the action of histamine. Some people, not knowing the mechanisms of allergy, prematurely stop taking antihistamines (they feel relief from hay fever symptoms and stop taking the antihistamine drug). This is incorrect! An antihistamine must be taken throughout the entire flowering period of the allergen plant. For example, when such an aggressive weed as ragweed blooms in July-September, the antihistamine must be taken throughout the entire flowering period.

Before using L-Cet, it is necessary to carefully read the instructions or
consult a doctor. L-Cet is available in tablet and syrup forms.
L-Cet tablets are recommended for adults and children over 6 years of age
at a dose of 1 tablet per day. The tablet is taken regardless of food intake
and washed down with a small amount of water. L-Cet syrup is recommended
for use in children over 2 years of age. Recommended doses of the syrup:
children 2–6 years old – 2.5 ml twice a day, and children over 6 years old –
10 ml once a day.