Levocetirizine oral tablet is a generic drug prescribed for allergy symptoms and itchiness caused by hives. It belongs to the antihistamine drug class.
- Prescription levocetirizine oral tablet is a generic drug. (It used to be available as the brand-name drug Xyzal, but Xyzal is discontinued and no longer available.)
- Prescription levocetirizine comes as a tablet and an oral solution. Both forms are also available in over-the-counter (OTC) forms. A brand-name OTC tablet is available as well, called Xyzal Allergy 24HR.
- Prescription levocetirizine oral tablet is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies. It’s also used to relieve itching caused by hives.
Prescription levocetirizine oral tablet is a generic drug. (It’s also called levocetirizine dihydrochloride.)
Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as the brand-name drug.
Prescription levocetirizine comes as an oral tablet and an oral solution. Both forms are also available in over-the-counter (OTC) versions. A brand-name OTC tablet is available as well, called Xyzal Allergy 24HR.
Why it’s used
Prescription levocetirizine oral tablet is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies. It’s also used to relieve itching caused by hives (patches of red, swollen, itchy skin).
Levocetirizine oral tablet is used in adults and children 6 months and older.
This drug may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.
How it works
Levocetirizine belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Levocetirizine works by blocking the release of a chemical called histamine from the cells in your body. This helps relieve symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose, and red, watery, itchy eyes. This drug also helps relieve itching caused by hives.
Levocetirizine oral tablet may cause drowsiness. This occurs more often during the first few hours after you take the drug. It may also cause other side effects.
More common side effects
Side effects of levocetirizine can vary according to age.
In adults and children ages 12 and older, the more common side effects that can occur include:
- tiredness
- dry mouth
- sore throat
- nasopharyngitis (redness and inflammation in the nose and throat)
In children ages 6–11 years, the more common side effects that can occur include:
- fever
- cough
- sleepiness
- nose bleeds
In children ages 1–5 years, the more common side effects that can occur include:
- fever
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- ear infections
In children ages 6–11 months, the more common side effects that can occur include:
- diarrhea
- constipation
If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
- Allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
- rash
- itching
- hives
- swelling of your lips, tongue, face, or throat
- Kidney problems. Symptoms can include:
- trouble urinating
- changes in the amount you urinate
- blood in your urine
- Blurry vision.
This dosage information is for levocetirizine oral tablet. All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:
- your age
- the condition being treated and how severe it is
- other medical conditions you have
- how you react to the first dose
Form and strength
Generic: Levocetirizine
- Form: Oral tablet
- Strength: 5 milligrams (mg)
Dosage for seasonal and year-round allergies
Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)
The typical dosage is one 5-mg tablet once per day in the evening. In some cases, your doctor might recommend starting with a dosage of 2.5 mg per day, to see if this is enough to manage your symptoms.
Child dosage (ages 12–17 years)
The typical dosage is one 5-mg tablet once per day in the evening. In some cases, your child’s doctor might recommend starting with a dosage of 2.5 mg per day, to see if this is enough to manage symptoms.
Child dosage (ages 6–11 years)
The typical dosage is one half-tablet (2.5 mg) once per day in the evening.
Child dosage (ages 5 years and younger)
Dosage for levocetirizine oral tablet hasn’t been established for children younger than 6 years of age. (The oral solution is recommended for children ages 6 months to 5 years.)
Older adult dosage (ages 65 years and older)
The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
Dosage for chronic itching
Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)
The typical dosage is one 5-mg tablet once per day in the evening. In some cases, your doctor might recommend starting with a dosage of 2.5 mg per day, to see if this is enough to manage your symptoms.
Child dosage (ages 12–17 years)
The typical dosage is one 5-mg tablet once per day in the evening. In some cases, your child’s doctor might recommend starting with a dosage of 2.5 mg per day, to see if this is enough to manage symptoms.
Child dosage (ages 6–11 years)
The typical dosage is one half-tablet (2.5 mg) once per day in the evening.
Child dosage (ages 5 years and younger)
Dosage for levocetirizine oral tablet hasn’t been established for children younger than 6 years of age. (The oral solution is recommended for children ages 6 months to 5 years.)
Older adult dosage (ages 65 years and older)
The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
Special dosage considerations
The typical dosages for people with kidney problems include:
- Mild kidney disease: 2.5 mg once per day.
- Moderate kidney disease: 2.5 mg once every other day.
- Severe kidney disease: 2.5 mg twice per week (taken once every 3–4 days).
- End stage kidney disease and on hemodialysis: Do not take levocetirizine.
Warnings
Do not take more than the recommended dose of levocetirizine. There is an increased risk of sleepiness at higher doses.
Levocetirizine and cetirizine are very similar generic medications. Both drugs are used to treat the symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies. They’re also used to relieve itching caused by hives (patches of red, swollen, itchy skin).
Levocetirizine and cetirizine are also available in over-the-counter (OTC) forms. Levocetirizine tablet is available as Xyzal Allergy 24 HR, and cetirizine is available as Zyrtec. There may also be other OTC versions available as various store-brand names.
In a
These drugs can cause similar side effects. To learn more about how these drugs compare, you can talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Levocetirizine can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.
Before taking levocetirizine, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with levocetirizine are listed below.
Asthma or COPD drug
Theophylline is used to treat symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Taking this drug with levocetirizine may cause increased amounts of levocetirizine in your body. This raises your risk of side effects.
HIV drug
Ritonavir is used to treat HIV. Taking this drug with levocetirizine can cause increased amounts of levocetirizine in your body. This raises your risk of side effects.
Levocetirizine oral tablet is used for short-term treatment of seasonal allergies and long-term treatment of chronic itching due to hives. This drug comes with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.
If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: If you’re taking this drug to treat allergy symptoms, these symptoms might not be managed or might get worse. These symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose, and red, watery, itchy eyes.
If you’re taking this drug to treat itchiness caused by hives, this itchiness may not be reduced or may get worse.
If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.
If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:
- increased drowsiness (adults)
- agitation and restlessness, followed by drowsiness (children)
If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. This could result in dangerous side effects.
How to tell if the drug is working: If you’re taking this drug to treat allergy symptoms, these symptoms should be reduced. These can include sneezing, runny nose, and red, watery, itchy eyes.
If you’re taking this drug to treat itchiness caused by hives, this itchiness should ease.
As with all medications, the cost of levocetirizine can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.
Drug coupons: You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of levocetirizine. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for levocetirizine, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you find resources that may help.
To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.
Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes levocetirizine oral tablet for you.
General
- You can take this drug with or without food.
- You should take this drug in the evening. This can help prevent daytime drowsiness. You can cut or crush the tablet.
- Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead.
Storage
- Store this drug at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
- Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.
Refills
Generally, a prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.
Travel
When traveling with your medication:
- Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
- Don’t worry about airport x-ray machines. They can’t hurt your medication.
- You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled box with you.
- Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.
Clinical monitoring
Your doctor may monitor your kidney function to make sure it’s safe for you to take this drug. If your kidney function gets worse, your doctor may have you stop taking this drug. They may switch you to a different medication.
Insurance
Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.
There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.
Increased tiredness warning: This drug can cause tiredness. Do not drive, use machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how this drug affects you. Also, don’t drink alcohol (if you drink) or take other medications that may cause you to feel tired. It could make your tiredness worse.
Levocetirizine oral tablet comes with several warnings.
Allergy warning
This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
- rash
- itching
- hives
- swelling of your lips, tongue, face, or throat
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to levocetirizine, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Your doctor won’t prescribe levocetirizine again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it or cetirizine before. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).
Warnings for people with certain conditions
For people with kidney disease: More of this drug may stay in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor won’t prescribe levocetirizine if you have severe kidney problems or are on hemodialysis.
Warnings for other groups
For pregnant people: This drug is a category B pregnancy drug. That means two things:
- Research in animals has not shown a risk to the fetus when pregnant animals were given levocetirizine.
- There aren’t enough studies done in humans to show whether the drug poses a risk to the fetus.
Animal studies do not always predict the way humans would respond. Therefore, this drug should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed.
Talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this drug.
People who are breastfeeding: This drug may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.
For older adults: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.
For children: It isn’t known if this drug is safe or effective for children younger than 6 months of age.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
