A double dose of levocetirizine leads to better control of histamine-induced flare, wheal and itch in healthy donors

Abstract

Levocetirizine is classified as a nonsedating second-generation antihistamine. This drug is used to treat allergic disorders such as urticaria and pruritus. Thus far, studies have demonstrated an increase in efficacy for refractory urticaria by increasing doses of antihistamines; however, more lines of supportive evidence for these guidelines are required to justify this management strategy. In this study, we found that a double dose of levocetirizine suppressed histamine-induced flare formation more rapidly and sustainably, and wheal and itch more extensively, compared with the conventional dose using both visual and laser Doppler imaging scales in a noninvasive manner. These results suggest that double-dosed levocetirizine treatment suppresses histamine-induced skin symptoms more rapidly, profoundly and sustainably than conventionally dosed levocetirizine treatment.