Synactiv Explained: What is Synactiv used for?

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Affecting millions globally, allergic conditions like rhinitis and urticaria can be debilitating, prompting the need for effective treatment. Synactiv, a prescription medication combining an antihistamine and a corticosteroid, is specifically formulated for the short-term management of these conditions, directly answering the question of what is Synactiv used for.

Quick Summary

Synactiv is a prescription drug containing levocetirizine and betamethasone used for the short-term treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria. It provides potent anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects to manage moderate to severe symptoms.

Key Points

Dual-Ingredient Formula: Synactiv contains both levocetirizine (an antihistamine) and betamethasone (a corticosteroid).
Primary Uses: It is used for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and urticaria (hives).
Not for Long-Term Use: Due to the corticosteroid component, Synactiv is not intended for long-term therapy and should be used under a doctor's supervision.
Fast-Acting Relief: The combination of a rapid-acting antihistamine and a potent corticosteroid provides quick relief from allergic symptoms and inflammation.
Prescription Required: Synactiv is a prescription-only medication and is not available over-the-counter.
Renal Impairment Precautions: Dosage adjustments or contraindications apply to patients with certain levels of renal impairment.

What is Synactiv and How Does it Work?

Synactiv is a dual-action prescription medication designed to treat allergic conditions by combining two powerful active ingredients: levocetirizine and betamethasone. Levocetirizine is a potent, selective antagonist of peripheral H1-receptors, acting as a second-generation antihistamine. Betamethasone is a potent corticosteroid with significant anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Together, these components work to rapidly alleviate the symptoms of allergies and inflammation.

The dual formulation provides a more comprehensive approach than a single-ingredient medication. The antihistamine, levocetirizine, targets the histamine released during an allergic reaction, which is responsible for common symptoms like itching, sneezing, and watery eyes. Concurrently, the corticosteroid, betamethasone, addresses the underlying inflammatory response, providing potent relief from swelling and severe allergic manifestations.

The Dual-Action Formula of Synactiv

The effectiveness of Synactiv stems from its two active compounds working in tandem to combat allergic symptoms from different angles.

Levocetirizine: The Antihistamine Component

Levocetirizine is a highly effective antihistamine that works by blocking the action of histamine, a natural substance produced by the body during an allergic reaction. When allergens trigger the immune system, histamine is released and binds to H1-receptors, causing the common symptoms of allergies. By blocking these receptors, levocetirizine prevents or reduces the severity of these symptoms. This component is particularly effective for relieving:

Itching
Sneezing
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Rashes and itching from hives

Betamethasone: The Corticosteroid Component

Betamethasone is a powerful corticosteroid that suppresses the inflammatory response caused by allergic reactions. It reduces the body's swelling, redness, and severe allergic symptoms that antihistamines alone may not fully control. Corticosteroids like betamethasone work by inhibiting multiple inflammatory pathways. Its inclusion in Synactiv is what makes the medication suitable for more severe or persistent allergic conditions that require a stronger anti-inflammatory effect.

What is Synactiv used for? Key Indications

Synactiv is indicated for the short-term treatment of specific allergic conditions in adults and adolescents aged 15 and older. Its use is limited to situations where the combined effect of an antihistamine and corticosteroid is required. The primary indications are:

Intermittent perennial or persistent allergic rhinitis: This refers to hay fever and other respiratory allergies that occur throughout the year or persist for longer periods. Symptoms can include sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Urticaria (Hives): Urticaria is a skin condition characterized by raised, itchy welts or rashes. Synactiv is used for the short-term management of urticaria when inflammation and itching are significant and require combined treatment.

Precautions, and Side Effects

As a prescription medication, Synactiv should be used strictly under a doctor's supervision. Adherence to the prescribed frequency and duration of use is important. It is often recommended to take this medication with food.

Precautions:

Use with caution in patients with predisposing factors for urinary retention, epilepsy, or a history of convulsions.
A three-day wash-out period is required before performing allergy skin tests, as antihistamines can inhibit the response.
Patients with specific hereditary problems like galactose intolerance should not take this medicine.

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to levocetirizine, betamethasone, or other components.
Severe renal impairment.
Severe hepatic impairment.
Systemic infections unless appropriate anti-infective therapy is in place.
Pregnancy and lactation.

Potential Side Effects: Side effects can vary, and patients should be aware of possible adverse reactions from both the antihistamine and corticosteroid components. Common side effects can include drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, and headache. More serious side effects, particularly with the corticosteroid component, may include fluid retention, increased blood pressure, and mood swings. For a full list of potential side effects, refer to the prescribing information.

Comparison Table: Synactiv vs. Single-Ingredient Alternatives


Feature	Synactiv (Levocetirizine + Betamethasone)	Levocetirizine (e.g., Xyzal)	Systemic Corticosteroids (e.g., Oral Prednisone)
Active Ingredients	Levocetirizine and Betamethasone	Levocetirizine	Prednisone or similar corticosteroids
Primary Use	Short-term treatment of moderate to severe allergic rhinitis and urticaria	Symptom relief for allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria	Potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects for severe conditions
Mechanism of Action	Combines H1-receptor antagonism and potent anti-inflammatory effects	Selective H1-receptor antagonist	Inhibits inflammatory pathways
Speed of Action	Rapid onset due to combined antihistamine and corticosteroid action	Rapid onset, typically within one hour	Varies, but often used for more persistent inflammation
Long-term Suitability	Not for long-term use due to the corticosteroid component	Can be used long-term for chronic conditions	Not for routine, long-term use due to significant side effects
Risk of Side Effects	Risk associated with both components, including corticosteroid side effects	Generally mild side effects like drowsiness	Higher risk of systemic side effects with long-term use

Conclusion

Synactiv is a potent prescription medication indicated for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe allergic rhinitis and urticaria in adults and adolescents aged 15 and older. Its dual formulation, combining the antihistamine levocetirizine and the corticosteroid betamethasone, provides comprehensive relief from both the allergic symptoms and the associated inflammation. However, because of the corticosteroid component, it is not intended for long-term use and requires careful medical supervision. Patients should always follow their doctor's prescribing instructions and be aware of the potential side effects and contraindications associated with this medication. For comprehensive prescribing information, refer to a reliable medical resource such as MIMS Philippines.

For more information on allergic rhinitis and urticaria, please consult authoritative medical sources. For instance, the Mayo Clinic provides detailed information on levocetirizine, one of Synactiv's components.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Synactiv is a prescription-only medication because it contains both an antihistamine (levocetirizine) and a potent corticosteroid (betamethasone).

The main difference is that Synactiv combines an antihistamine with a corticosteroid, providing both anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects. A single-ingredient medication like levocetirizine alone only addresses the antihistamine aspect.

Synactiv is indicated for short-term use only. The duration of treatment should be determined by your doctor to avoid potential side effects associated with prolonged corticosteroid use.

Common side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, headache, and dry mouth, stemming from the levocetirizine component. However, the betamethasone component can also cause more serious side effects.

Synactiv is generally indicated for adults and adolescents aged 15 years and older. Its use in children requires a specific prescription and dosage consideration from a physician.

You should not take Synactiv if you have a hypersensitivity to its ingredients, severe renal or hepatic impairment, or a systemic infection unless treated. Always inform your doctor of your full medical history before use.

The concurrent use of alcohol with levocetirizine or other CNS depressants is not recommended as it may cause additional reductions in alertness and performance.

The betamethasone in Synactiv provides potent anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, which helps manage the swelling and more severe inflammatory symptoms of allergic conditions.