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

Levocetirizine

(Xyzal Allergy)

Cetirizine

(Zyrtec)

Summary for Xyzal Allergy

Prescription or over-the-counter

Levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) is an antihistamine. It's used to relieve allergy symptoms and chronic hives in adults and children. Levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) is available both over the counter and by prescription, and comes as a tablet and a liquid. Your dosage can depend on your age. This medication is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some side effects of levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) include drowsiness and the common cold-like symptoms.

Indications for Xyzal Allergy

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 - by prescription only

Pros and Cons for Xyzal Allergy

Pros

First-choice option for relieving allergy symptoms
Taken by mouth once per day
Liquids are fruit-flavored for better taste
Safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding

Cons

Might make you sleepier compared to loratadine (Claritin) or fexofenadine (Allegra)
Might not be a good option for people with kidney problems because of higher risk of side effects
Tablets can't be used in children younger than 6 years

Common Side Effects for Xyzal Allergy

People 12 years and older:

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

Children under 12 years old:

Fever (4%)
Diarrhea (up to 4%)
Vomiting (up to 4%)

Warnings for Xyzal Allergy

Sleepiness
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 Allergy vs. Zyrtec

Levocetirizine30 tablets / 5mg

$11.01$60.32

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Cetirizine90 tablets / 24 hour of 10mg

$8.15$8.15

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Xyzal Allergy vs. Zyrtec

Levocetirizine

Cetirizine

Summary for Xyzal Allergy

Indications for Xyzal Allergy

Pros and Cons for Xyzal Allergy

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Xyzal Allergy

Warnings for Xyzal Allergy

Summary for Zyrtec

Indications for Zyrtec

Pros and Cons for Zyrtec

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Zyrtec

Warnings for Zyrtec

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Levocetirizine

Cetirizine

Summary for Xyzal Allergy

Indications for Xyzal Allergy

Pros and Cons for Xyzal Allergy

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Xyzal Allergy

Warnings for Xyzal Allergy

Summary for Zyrtec

Indications for Zyrtec

Pros and Cons for Zyrtec

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Zyrtec

Warnings for Zyrtec