levocetirizine

Levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) takes about 1 hour to start working, and lasts all day.

Yes, some people might feel sleepy after taking levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy). But this medication isn't as likely to cause drowsiness compared to some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). This is because levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) is a second-generation antihistamine that isn't as likely to cross into the brain compared to first-generation antihistamines. Let your primary care provider or pharmacist know if levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) is making you too drowsy to go about your day. They might ask you to consider other options.

Ask your primary care provider (PCP) what other allergy medication is safe for you to take along with levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy). In general, you can take other allergy medications that work differently than levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy). For example, if you continue to have a runny nose, your PCP might recommend a steroid nasal spray, such as fluticasone (Flonase). And if you've congestion, they might ask you to try pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or oxymetazoline (Afrin). Of course, they'll also consider what other medical conditions you have before making a recommendation. But in general, they'll ask you to avoid taking other oral antihistamine medications with levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) because this raises your risk of serious side effects, like agitation or movement problems.

Each tablet of Xyzal contains 5 mg of levocetirizine. You shouldn't take 2 levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) tablets in 24 hours because this is higher than the dose recommended by the manufacturer and FDA for children and adults. Taking too much levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) can put you at risk for serious side effects, including agitation and a pounding heart. Talk with your primary care provider if your allergy symptoms aren't relieved by levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) alone. Depending on what symptoms you're experiencing and what other medical conditions you have, they can recommend other medications to help.

No, don't take levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) together, unless instructed by your primary care provider. Taking two antihistamines together raises your risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. If you want to switch from levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) to diphenhydramine (Benadryl), start diphenhydramine (Benadryl) at least 24 hours after your last levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) dose.

Both levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) and fexofenadine (Allegra) are oral second-generation antihistamines. Both can treat symptoms of allergy and hives. But there are few differences between them. In general, levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) works a little quicker than fexofenadine (Allegra) to relieve symptoms. In addition, people might experience more drowsiness with levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) compared to fexofenadine (Allegra). Ask your pharmacist or primary care provider if you have more questions about which medication might be right for you.

Both levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are very similar to each other because levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) is the active form of cetirizine (Zyrtec). They're both available as lower-cost generics, taken once per day, and have similar side effects. The biggest difference is the formulation each comes in. While both medications come as oral tablets and liquids, cetirizine (Zyrtec) also comes as chewable tablets and orally disintegrating tablets.