The following information is a summary about Xyzal. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
What is levocetirizine?
Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body.
Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Levocetirizine is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery
eyes, or runny nose.
Levocetirizine is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria
(hives).
Levocetirizine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about levocetirizine?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine
(Zyrtec).
Do not take levocetirizine if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on
dialysis. Any child under 12 with kidney disease should not take levocetirizine.
Before taking levocetirizine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have kidney or liver disease, or gallbladder problems.
It is very important not to give a child more than the prescribed dose of this
medication. A child's body absorbs twice as much of the same dose size of levocetirizine as an
adult's body.
Levocetirizine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of levocetirizine.
Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as
other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and
medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by
levocetirizine.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also
have a fever.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
levocetirizine?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine
(Zyrtec).
Do not take levocetirizine if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on
dialysis. Any child under 12 with kidney disease should not take levocetirizine.
Before taking levocetirizine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have:
- kidney disease;
- liver disease; or
- gallbladder problems.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Levocetirizine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use
this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old.
How should I take levocetirizine?
Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do
not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
It is very important not to give a child more than the prescribed dose of this
medication. A child's body absorbs twice as much of the same dose size of levocetirizine as an
adult's body.
You may take this medication with or without food. Levocetirizine is usually taken once
per day, in the evening.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table
spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also
have a fever.
Store levocetirizine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include feeling restless or agitated, and then feeling drowsy.
What should I avoid while taking levocetirizine?
Levocetirizine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of levocetirizine.
Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as
other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and
medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by
levocetirizine.
Levocetirizine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these
serious side effects:
- feeling like you might pass out;
- nosebleed (especially in a child);
- confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts;
- numbness or tingling around your lips or mouth;
- jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
- dark-colored urine, foul-smelling stools; or
- fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite.
Less serious side effects may include:
- drowsiness, weakness;
- stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat, cough;
- tired feeling;
- dry mouth; or
- weight gain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect levocetirizine?
Before you take levocetirizine, tell your doctor if you also take ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra).
There may be other drugs that can interact with levocetirizine. Tell your doctor about all
your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and
drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about levocetirizine.
