Xyzal

Uses

What is Xyzal® (levocetirizine) used for?

Xyzal® 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 itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives) in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.

How should I take Xyzal® (levocetirizine)?

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 Xyzal®. A child’s body absorbs twice as much of the same dose size of levocetirizine as an adult’s body.

Taking more of this medication will not make it more effective, and may cause severe drowsiness.

Xyzal® is usually taken in the evening. You may take this medication with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. 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.

How do I store Xyzal® (levocetirizine)?

Xyzal® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Xyzal® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Xyzal® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Xyzal® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Xyzal® (levocetirizine)?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
• You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
• You have allergy with any of active or inactive ingredients of Xyzal® or other medications.
• You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using Xyzal® during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Xyzal®. Xyzal® is pregnancy risk category B, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:

• A=No risk
• B=No risk in some studies
• C=There may be some risk
• D=Positive evidence of risk
• X=Contraindicated
• N=Unknown

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Xyzal® (levocetirizine)?

Get emergency medical help if you have 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:

• Painful or difficult urination
• Little or no urinating
• Signs of an ear infection (fever, ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness in a child)
• A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out
• Fever
• Worsening allergy or urticaria symptoms

Common side effects may include:

• Drowsiness, weakness
• Feeling tired
• Fever
• Stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat, cough
• Nosebleed
• Ear infection
• Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• Dry mouth
• Weight gain

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Xyzal® (levocetirizine)?

Xyzal® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Products that may interact with this drug are:

• Ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra)
• Theophylline (Aquaphyllin, Asmalix, Elixophyllin, Theolair, Theosol)

Does food or alcohol interact with Xyzal® (levocetirizine)?

Xyzal® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Xyzal® (levocetirizine)?

Xyzal® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using this Xyzal® (levocetirizine).

What is the dose of Xyzal® (levocetirizine) for an adult?

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria; 5 mg orally once daily in the evening.

Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:

Seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria; 5 mg orally once daily in the evening.

What is the dose of Xyzal® (levocetirizine) for a child?

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Seasonal allergic rhinitis:

• 12 years or older: 5 mg orally once daily in the evening
• 6 to 11 years old: 2.5 mg orally once daily in the evening
• 2 to 5 years old: 1.25 mg orally once daily in the evening

Perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria:

• 12 years or older: 5 mg orally once daily in the evening
• 6 to 11 years old: 2.5 mg orally once daily in the evening
• 6 months to 5 years old: 1.25 mg orally once daily in the evening

Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:

Seasonal allergic rhinitis:

• 12 years or older: 5 mg orally once daily in the evening
• 6 to 11 years old: 2.5 mg orally once daily in the evening
• 2 to 5 years old: 1.25 mg orally once daily in the evening

Perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria:

• 12 years or older: 5 mg orally once daily in the evening
• 6 to 11 years old: 2.5 mg orally once daily in the evening
• 6 months to 5 years old: 1.25 mg orally once daily in the evening

How is Xyzal® (levocetirizine) available?

Xyzal® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Tablet, film coated, oral solution; levocetirizine dihydrochloride 5mg

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Xyzal®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.