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.

What is Xyzal?

  • 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.

Before taking Xyzal

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken.

For these reasons, before you start taking Xyzal it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have problems with the way your kidneys work.
  • If you have epilepsy.
  • If you have porphyria (this is a rare inherited blood disorder).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to another antihistamine, or to any other medicine.

How to take Xyzal

  • Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about Xyzal and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
  • The usual dose for adults and older children is one tablet daily. If it is for a younger child (aged 2-6 years), they are likely to be prescribed liquid medicine, so check the label on the bottle carefully to make sure you give the correct dose.
  • You may take Xyzal at whatever time of day you find easiest to remember, but try to take your doses at the same time of day. You can take it before or after your meals. The tablets are best swallowed with a drink of water.
  • If you have been supplied liquid medicine, a dose syringe will have been included in the pack. To measure out your dose, dip the syringe into the solution and draw the plunger up to the mark which corresponds to the dose prescribed. Remove the syringe from the bottle and empty its contents into a spoon or a glass of water (it can be taken undiluted or diluted with water). Rinse the syringe with water after use.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

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 should I avoid while taking Xyzal?

  • 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:

  • feeling like you might pass out;
  • nosebleed (especially in a child);
  • pain or fullness in your ear, hearing problems;
  • depression, agitation, aggression, hallucinations;
  • numbness or tingling around your lips or mouth;
  • jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
  • painful or difficult urination;
  • dark-colored urine, foul-smelling stools; or
  • fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite.

Less serious Xyzal side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. 

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:

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.

How to store Xyzal

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  • The liquid medicine only keeps for three months once opened. Do not store it or use it after this time.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children

Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

http://www.patient.co.uk/medicine/levocetirizine

http://www.drugs.com/xyzal.html

http://products.sanofi.us/xyzal/xyzal.pdf

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-148996-Xyzal+Oral.aspx?drugid=148996&drugname=Xyzal+Oral

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levocetirizine

http://www.rxlist.com/xyzal-drug.htm

http://www.ucb.com/products/product-list/immunology-inflammation/xyzal