Xyzal Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Seasonal allergies affect many people, causing bothersome symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose. Xyzal (levocetirizine) is a widely used antihistamine that can help relieve these allergy symptoms for adults and children. 

Xyzal used to only be available with a prescription until 2017. But today, it’s available over the counter (OTC). As with all medications, knowing how much to take is important. Here, we’ll review the recommended Xyzal dosages for adults and children.

What’s the typical Xyzal dosage for adults?

Xyzal is a once-daily medication and is generally recommended to be taken at night, as it can make some people feel tired. It can be taken with or without food.

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Xyzal’s labeling doesn’t include dosage information for adults ages 65 years and older. This is because they may be more sensitive to the medication’s side effects. While Xyzal is a safer option than older antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), older adults should still discuss it with their healthcare provider first.

Xyzal Allergy 24HR tablets

Each tablet of Xyzal Allergy 24HR contains 5 mg of levocetirizine. The usual adult dosage is 5 mg (1 tablet) by mouth once a day in the evening. But if your allergy symptoms are mild, you can take 2.5 mg (one-half of a tablet) by mouth once daily in the evening. Don’t take more than 5 mg per day.

Xyzal Allergy 24HR solution

If swallowing pills is difficult for you, you can take Xyzal Allergy 24HR solution. Although it’s marketed as a children’s medication, the OTC label includes adult dosage information too. This solution contains 2.5 mg of levocetirizine in every 5 mL of liquid.

The adult dosage for Xyzal solution is 2.5 mg to 5 mg (5 mL to 10 mL) by mouth in the evening, depending on how severe your allergy symptoms are. Don’t take more than 5 mg per day.

Be sure to use a dosing cup or spoon when taking liquid medications. Using household teaspoons may not be accurate. If you don’t have a medication dosing device, speak with your pharmacist. They can provide you with one.

What’s the typical Xyzal dosage for children?

Children's Xyzal dosages are based on a child’s age. The oral solution is the preferred dosage form for children, as it’s usually easier for kids to swallow liquid medications. Make sure to use the included measuring cup or syringe when drawing up a dose to give to your child.

Children's Xyzal Allergy 24HR solution

Children's Xyzal Allergy 24HR solution can be given to children as young as 2 years old. It contains 2.5 mg of levocetirizine in every 5 mL of liquid.

The children's dosage of Xyzal solution are as follows:

• Adolescents ages 12 years and older: Give 5 mg (10 mL) by mouth once a day in the evening. If symptoms are mild, you can give 2.5 mg (5 mL) once daily. Don’t give more than 5 mg in 24 hours.

• Children 6 to 11 years old: Give 2.5 mg (5 mL) by mouth once daily in the evening. Don’t give more than 2.5 mg in 24 hours.

• For children 2 to 5 years old: Give 1.25 mg (2.5 mL) by mouth once daily in the evening. Don’t give more than 1.25 mg in 24 hours.

• For children under 2 years old: Don’t give it to this age group.

Xyzal Allergy 24HR tablets

Xyzal Allergy 24HR tablets include dosage information for kids as young as 6 years old. But keep in mind, the tablets should be swallowed whole. And many children have trouble swallowing pills.

The children's dosage of Xyzal tablets are as follows:

• Adolescents ages 12 years and older: Give 5 mg (1 tablet) by mouth once a day in the evening. If symptoms are mild, you can give 2.5 mg (half of a tablet) once daily. Don’t give more than 5 mg in 24 hours.

• Children 6 to 11 years old: Give 2.5 mg (half of a tablet) by mouth once daily in the evening. Don’t give more than 2.5 mg in 24 hours.

• Children under 6 years old: Don’t give it to this age group.

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

Xyzal is safe for most people to take. But there are a few times where you should discuss taking it with your healthcare provider first.

People with kidney problems

The kidneys help clear Xyzal from the body. So if your kidneys aren’t working as well as they should, the medication can build up in your body. This raises the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness.

Xyzal dosages for people with kidney problems are based on a lab test called creatinine clearance (CrCl). CrCl estimates how well the kidneys are working. But many people may not know what their most recent CrCl is. So it’s best to discuss the best dose of Xyzal with your healthcare provider if you have a history of kidney issues.

Xyzal dosages for adults and adolescents at least 12 years of age with kidney problems are as follows:

• CrCl 50 to 80 mL/min: Take 2.5 mg by mouth once daily.

• CrCl 30 to 50 mL/min: Take 2.5 mg by mouth every other day.

• CrCl 10 to 30 mL/min: Take 2.5 mg by mouth twice a week, with each dose separated by 3 or 4 days.

Those with a CrCl lower than 10 mL/min and those who receive dialysis should avoid Xyzal. Children under 12 years old with any kidney problems should also avoid it, regardless of what their CrCl is.

What happens if you miss a dose of Xyzal?

If you miss a dose of Xyzal, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s close to your next dose, then skip it. Taking doses too close together may lead to more side effects.

Xyzal works best for allergies when taken every day. Your pharmacist can be a great resource for tips if you’re having trouble remembering to take your medications. Some suggestions might include setting an alarm on your phone, using a pill organizer, or downloading a medication reminder app.

What should you do if you take too much Xyzal?

If you’ve taken an extra dose of Xyzal by mistake, it likely won’t be harmful for most people. But you may experience more side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness. But taking a large amount of Xyzal could be problematic, especially for older adults and people with kidney problems. Antihistamine poisoning can lead to serious complications.

Symptoms of a Xyzal overdose may include:

• Agitation

• Restlessness

• Trouble walking or balancing

• Seizures

• Hallucinations

• Fast heart rate

• Abnormal heart rhythms

If you think you or a loved one has taken too much Xyzal, contact a healthcare provider or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. If anything seems severe, get immediate medical help or call 911.

How to save on Xyzal

There are many ways to save on Xyzal, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. By having your healthcare provider write a prescription for Xyzal, GoodRx can help you save over 90% off the average retail price. Generic Xyzal's price at certain pharmacies is as low as $8.91 with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Timothy Aungst, PharmD

Timothy Aungst, PharmD, has worked in pharmacy practice for the past decade with different roles and responsibilities. He has served as an associate professor of pharmacy practice for almost a decade, a clinical pharmacist in outpatient cardiology management, and now in home healthcare.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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