Xyzal (levocetirizine) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Xyzal is used to treat symptoms of year-round (perennial) allergies in adults and children who are at least 6 months old. Xyzal is also used to treat symptoms of seasonal allergies in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.
Xyzal is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives) in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.
Xyzal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Xyzal if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine (Zyrtec). Do not take Xyzal if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. Any child younger than 12 years old with kidney disease should not take Xyzal.
Before taking Xyzal, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or gallbladder problems.
It is very important not to give a child more than the prescribed dose of this medication. A child"s body absorbs twice as much of the same dose size of Xyzal as an adult"s body.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Xyzal if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine (Zyrtec). You should not take Xyzal if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. Any child younger than 12 years old with kidney disease should not take Xyzal.
To make sure you can safely take Xyzal, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
FDA pregnancy category B. Xyzal is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Levocetirizine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking Xyzal. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 months old.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I take Xyzal?
Take Xyzal exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
It is very important not to give a child more than the prescribed dose of this medication. A child"s body absorbs twice as much of the same dose size of Xyzal as an adult"s body.
Taking more of Xyzal will not make it more effective, and may cause severe drowsiness.
You may take this medication with or without food.
Measure liquid Xyzal with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever.
Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Xyzal may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Xyzal.
Xyzal side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Xyzal: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Xyzal and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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feeling like you might pass out;
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nosebleed (especially in a child);
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pain or fullness in your ear, hearing problems;
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depression, agitation, aggression, hallucinations;
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numbness or tingling around your lips or mouth;
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jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
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painful or difficult urination;
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dark-colored urine, foul-smelling stools; or
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fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite.
Less serious Xyzal side effects may include:
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drowsiness, weakness;
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tired feeling;
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stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat, cough;
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vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
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dry mouth; or
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weight gain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Xyzal?
Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Xyzal.
Tell your doctor about all medications you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Xyzal, especially:
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ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra); or
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theophylline (Aquaphyllin, Asmalix, Elixophyllin, Theolair, Theosol).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Xyzal, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
