Xyzal (Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

February 9, 2012

Xyzal

Allergy »

Allergy facts

Allergy involves an exaggerated response of the immune system.
The immune system is the body's organized defense mechanism against foreign invaders, particularly infections.
Allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction.
IgE is the allergy antibody.
Allergies can develop at any age.
Your risk of developing allergies is related to your parents' allergy history.

Introduction

In this review you will learn how allergy relates to the immune system. You will begin understanding how and why certain people become allergic. The most common allergic diseases are discussed briefly in this article.

What does an allergy mean?

An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is exaggerated because these f...

Read the Allergy article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
next »

Xyzal User Reviews >>

Xyzal

10 Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow Pictures

Take the Quiz on Allergies

Nasal Allergy Relief Slideshow Pictures

font size

XYZAL
(levocetirizine dihydrochloride) 5 mg Tablets & 2.5 mg/5 mL (0.5 mg/mL) Oral Solution

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Levocetirizine dihydrochloride, the active component of XYZAL (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) tablets and oral solution, is an orally active H]-receptor antagonist. The chemical name is (R)-[2-[4-[(4-chlorophenyl) phenylmethyl]-l-piperazinyl] ethoxy] acetic acid dihydrochloride. Levocetirizine dihydrochloride is the R enantiomer of cetirizine hydrochloride, a racemic compound with antihistaminic properties. The empirical formula of levocetirizine dihydrochloride is C₂₁H₂₅ClN₂O₃•2HCl. The molecular weight is 461.82 and the chemical structure is shown below:

XYZAL
(levocetirizine dihydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Levocetirizine dihydrochloride is a white, crystalline powder and is water soluble.

XYZAL (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) 5 mg tablets are formulated as immediate release, white, film-coated, oval-shaped scored tablets for oral administration. The tablets are imprinted on both halves of the scored line with the letter Y in red (Opacode® Red). Inactive ingredients are: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, colloidal anhydrous silica, and magnesium stearate. The film coating contains hypromellose, titanium dioxide, and macrogol 400.

XYZAL (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) 0.5 mg/mL oral solution is formulated as an immediate release, clear, colorless liquid. Inactive ingredients are: sodium acetate trihydrate, glacial acetic acid, maltitol solution, glycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, saccharin, flavoring (consisting of triacetin, natural & artificial flavors, dl-alpha-tocopherol), purified water.

What are the possible side effects of levocetirizine (Xyzal)?

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);

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Xyzal »

What are the precautions when taking levocetirizine dihydrochloride (Xyzal)?

Before taking levocetirizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to cetirizine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have a certain medical condition. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: very severe kidney disease (e.g., dialysis).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease.

This drug may make you drowsy or tired. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit...

Read All Potential Precautions of Xyzal »

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/2/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.