Xyzal (Levocetirizine)
Xyzal (Levocetirizine) Dosage and Side Effects
XYZAL is used to treat year-round or seasonal allergies. The medicine can treat allergy symptoms, such as runny nose; sneezing; or red, itchy, and watery eyes. The drug may also be used to treat the itching and swelling that occur with hives.
Proper Use of this medication
XYZAL comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. It's typically taken once a day in the evening with or without food.
Your dosage will be based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment.
Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully when taking this medication. Don't take more or less than your doctor prescribes.
XYZAL Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include the following:
- Drowsiness in adults
- Restlessness followed by drowsiness in children
If you suspect an overdose, you should contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Missed Dose of XYZAL
If you miss a dose of XYZAL, take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule. Don't take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of XYZAL
You should tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:
- Sleepiness or tiredness
- Weakness
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
- Cough
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
XYZAL and Weight Gain
Weight gain is not a common side effect of XYZAL, but some patients do report it. You can prevent weight gain by following a healthy diet and exercise plan.
Serious Side Effects of XYZAL
You should call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
- Rash, hives, or itching
- Swelling of your hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Feeling as if you might pass out
- Nosebleed (especially in children)
- Hearing problems or pain in your ears
- Depression, agitation, hallucinations, or aggression
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes
- Painful or difficult urination
- Dark-colored urine
- Foul-smelling stools
- Numbness or tingling around your lips or mouth
- Fever
- Stomachache or loss of appetite
Warnings and Precautions
It's important not to give a child more of this medication than is the doctor prescribes. A child's body absorbs twice as much of the same dose of XYZAL as an adult's body does.
You shouldn't give this medication to an infant who is younger than 6 months old.
Don't use XYZAL if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Before taking XYZAL, you should tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- An enlarged prostate
- Problems with urination
- Gallbladder problems
You shouldn't take this drug if you have end-stage kidney disease or are on dialysis. Children younger than age 12 with kidney disease shouldn't take XYZAL.
Call your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or worsen or you also have a fever.
Tell your doctor you are taking XYZAL before having any laboratory exams, as the medication can interfere with the results of certain tests.
Pregnancy and XYZAL
XYZAL is a Pregnancy Category B drug, which means it's not expected to harm an unborn baby. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine.
The drug can pass into breast milk and may harm a breastfeeding baby. You shouldn't breastfeed while taking XYZAL.
Interactions with this medication
You should always tell your doctor about any prescription, non-prescription, illegal, and recreational drugs; herbal remedies; and nutritional and dietary supplements you're taking, especially:
- Antidepressants
- Drugs for anxiety, mental illness, or seizures
- Ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra)
- Sedatives
- Sleeping pills
- Theophylline (Theochron, Theolair, and others)
- Tranquilizers
- Other antihistamines
XYZAL and Alcohol
Consuming alcohol while taking XYZAL may increase your risk of side effects, especially drowsiness. You should talk to your doctor about how much alcohol is safe to drink while taking this drug.
XYZAL and Other Interactions
XYZAL may make you drowsy. You shouldn't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Other related products
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.