Xyzal vs. Zyrtec for Hives and Allergic Rhinitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Levocetirizine

(Xyzal)

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Cetirizine

(Zyrtec)

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Summary for Xyzal

Prescription or over-the-counter

Levocetirizine (Xyzal) is an antihistamine. It's used to relieve allergy symptoms and chronic hives in adults and children. Levocetirizine (Xyzal) is available both over the counter and by prescription. The medication comes as a tablet and a liquid. It's taken by mouth once a day at night, though your specific dosage depends on your age. Some side effects include drowsiness and cold-like symptoms.

Indications for Xyzal

Relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat) - OTC and prescription
Treatment of itching from chronic hives - prescription only

Pros and Cons for Xyzal

Pros

First-choice option for relieving allergy symptoms
Taken by mouth once a day
Available as tablets and a liquid

Cons

Might make you sleepier than some other antihistamines
Can cause severe itching after stopping long-term use
Might not be the best option for people with kidney problems

Common Side Effects for Xyzal

People 12 years and older:

Sleepiness (5-6%)
Cold-like symptoms (4-6%)
Fatigue (up to 4%)

Children under 12 years old:

Fever (4%)

Warnings for Xyzal

Sleepiness
Trouble urinating
Itching after stopping levocetirizine (Xyzal)
Accidentally taking too much medication

Summary for Zyrtec

Prescription or over-the-counter

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is an antihistamine. It's used for relief of allergy symptoms, such as runny nose or watery eyes, in adults and children. Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is also a safe option for people who are pregnant. This medication is available in different formulations, including tablets and liquid solutions. Typically, cetirizine (Zyrtec) is taken by mouth once per day. The most common side effect of cetirizine (Zyrtec) is sleepiness. But it's less likely to make you drowsy compared to some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Indications for Zyrtec

Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat)
Relief of itchiness due to chronic (long-term) hives in children ages 6 months to under 6 years old - certain liquid solutions only

Pros and Cons for Zyrtec

Pros

First-choice option for relieving allergy symptoms
Taken once per day
Available in several formulations (e.g., pills, chewable tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, liquids)
Safe to take while pregnant

Cons

Can cause you to feel sleepy
Higher risk of side effects in people with liver or kidney problems
Pills can't be used in children younger than 6 years.

Common Side Effects for Zyrtec

People 12 years of age and older:

Sleepiness (14%)
Tiredness (6%)
Dry mouth (5%)

Children age 6 to under 12 years:

Headache (11-14%)
Sore throat (3-6%)
Stomach pain (4-6%)
Cough (3-4%)
Sleepiness (2-4%)

Warnings for Zyrtec

Sleepiness
Accidentally taking too much medication

Prices with our coupons for Xyzal vs. Zyrtec

Levocetirizine30 tablets / 5mg

$11.27$18.23

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Cetirizine90 tablets / 24 hour of 10mg

$8.13$8.13

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Xyzal vs. Zyrtec

Levocetirizine

Cetirizine

Summary for Xyzal

Indications for Xyzal

Pros and Cons for Xyzal

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Xyzal

Warnings for Xyzal

Summary for Zyrtec

Indications for Zyrtec

Pros and Cons for Zyrtec

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Zyrtec

Warnings for Zyrtec

Prices with our coupons for Xyzal vs. Zyrtec

Compare other Hives and Allergic Rhinitis drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Levocetirizine

Cetirizine

Summary for Xyzal

Indications for Xyzal

Pros and Cons for Xyzal

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Xyzal

Warnings for Xyzal

Summary for Zyrtec

Indications for Zyrtec

Pros and Cons for Zyrtec

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Zyrtec

Warnings for Zyrtec