Use of levocetrizine in the management of type IV hypersensitivity to lidocaine: a case report

Abstract

Lidocaine is a commonly used local anesthetic in the field of dentistry. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, mainly immunoglobulin (IgE)-mediated and T-cell –mediated type IV reactions, which require the use of alternative drugs without adverse effects.  Here we present the case of a 29 year old female patient who developed Type IV hypersensitivity reaction in the vicinity of the injection site after the administration of lidocaine local anesthetic for performing exodontia. Levocetrizine tablet was prescribed in order to relieve the symptoms of the reaction. Levocetrizine is a selective, potent, oral histamine H(1) receptor antagonist that is used for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. It has been reported to be effective and generally well tolerated by the patients. In our case also it was able to cure Type IV hypersensitivity reaction to lidocaine without producing any adverse events. Apart from curing allergic rhinitis and urticaria, levocetrizine is a wonderful option for treating Type IV hypersensitivity reaction to a local anesthetic, and it hardly produces any adverse effect. More cases are required to be reported in the future in order to support this article.