Xyzal is an oral tablet made up of an antihistamine called levocetirizine. We carry the brand choice Xyzal and its generic alternative in 5mg. 

Xyzal is used to relieve symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, and sneezing caused by allergies. It may also help treat itching and swellings associated with chronic urticaria (hives).

Xyzal (levocetirizine) is effective at treating allergy symptoms because it is able to reduce the actions of histamines in the body that are the cause of these reactions.

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Most prescription labels have the directions written on them for your convenience. Taking more of this medication will not make it more effective; only take the amount prescribed to you.

Take this medication in the evening, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Your dosage will be based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment; children dosages are based on age.

Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

Do not use Xyzal (levocetirizine)

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine, or if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. Children younger than 12 years old with kidney disease should not use this product. Children under 6 months should not use this product.

Do not use this medication if you are also breast feeding.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney disease, liver disease, urination problems, or gallbladder problems.

Risks

This medication is not expected to harm an unborn baby however that does not mean it is not possible. Speak to your doctor before using Xyzal if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.

Common side effects of Xyzal (levocetirizine) may include:

drowsiness, tiredness; sinus pain; ear infection; cough; or fever.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Xyzal (levocetirizine) may include:

worsening allergy or urticaria symptoms; painful or difficult urination; little or no urination; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or fever.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

an ear infection - ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness in a child.

What is Xyzal?

Xyzal is an antihistamine that comes in the form of a tablet containing 5mg of Levocetirizine. It is taken by mouth, metabolized by an enzyme in the liver, and then excreted through the kidneys as human waste with a half-life of 6-10 hours. It is available as a generic alternative; both the brand and generic product are available for purchase with a valid prescription at My Drug Center.

What is Xyzal used for?

Xyzal is used for the treatment of allergy symptoms. Allergy symptoms are caused by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander and include symptoms of sneezing, watery/itchy eyes, and runny/itchy nose. It may also be used for the treatment of itching and swelling related to hives.

Why take Xyzal at night?

The brand-manufacturer suggests taking Xyzal at night so the medication can relieve your symptoms while you are sleeping. This way, you not only get a better sleep at night, but you will also wake up more refreshed and ready for the day. It is not mandatory you take Xyzal at night; you may take it whenever is most convenient for you. However, it is important to follow your doctor’s directions if they have instructed you to take your dose at a certain time.

Who makes Xyzal?

Xyzal is manufactured by a French pharmaceutical company called Sanofi (Sanofi-Aventis). It was first approved in the United States in May of 2007. The generic form of Xyzal, sold as Levocetirizine, is manufactured by many generic manufacturers, such as Apotex Corp. (a Canadian manufacturer) and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (multinational manufacturer).

What is the difference between Xyzal and Zyrtec?

These two antihistamines are very similar but they are more different than the same. There may be additional differences between the two, but here are a few examples as to how these two drugs differ from each other;

Active ingredient: Xyzal is made up of Levocetirizine whereas Zyrtec is made up of Cetirizine. The bioavailability, among others, is one difference between these two active ingredients; Levocetirizine has a bioavailability of 85% where Cetirizine has a bioavailability of 70%. This measures how much of the drug reaches systemic circulation.

Dosage: Xyzal is available as a 5mg tablet whereas Zyrtec is available as a 10mg tablet. Zyrtec is a stronger medication than Xyzal, slightly, and may be more appropriate for more severe allergies.

Price: Xyzal is generally more expensive as oppose to Zyrtec. Zyrtec has been on the market for longer than Xyzal (about 11 years longer), which may be why it is cheaper in cost; newer medications are often higher in cost to cover the expense of researching, developing, and manufacturing the new drug.

Half life:  Xyzal has an average half life of 8 hours whereas Zyrtec has an average half life of 10.6 hours. The half-life measures how long it takes for half of the drug to clear your system, so Xyzal will clear the system before Zyrtec will. This indicates that Zyrtec may have longer lasting effects. This also indicates that you may need to take Xyzal more often than you would Zyrtec. However, the half-life is only different by a few hours, so it shouldn’t make that much of a difference, but it is still, nonetheless, a difference between the two.

How long does Xyzal take to work?

The exact amount of time it takes to become effective may vary; though in general, the medication usually begins to work within an hour of administration. The effects of the medication should be consistent for the following 24 hours.