Xyzal (Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Allergy Drugs: Prescription and OTC »

Allergy medications overview

The arsenal of allergy drugs includes dozens of medications that relieve allergy symptoms when confronted with a trigger known as an allergen. That trigger could be something from a plant, such as pollen, or something from an animal (pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches). Other allergy triggers include certain fragrances or chemical substances.

What causes a person's allergic reaction is highly individual. But the reactions are often universal: swelling and inflammation, especially around the eyes, nose, and throat, usually accompanied by itching.

Some allergy medications work against the effects of histamines, which are released during an allergic reaction. Other medications reduce swelling, affect the immune system, or affect release of other substances associated with allergic reactions.

Many allergy drugs are available without a prescription.

For what conditions are allergy medicatio...

Read the Allergy Drugs: Prescription and OTC article »

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Xyzal Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking levocetirizine (Xyzal)?

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 months old.

How should I take levocetirizine (Xyzal)?

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.

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