Pronunciation: LEE-voe-se-TIR-a-zeen
Generic Name: Levocetirizine
Brand Name: Xyzal
Levocetirizine is used for:
Treating allergy symptoms and chronic hives. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Levocetirizine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking a substance in the body called histamine. This helps to decrease allergy symptoms and hives.
Do NOT use Levocetirizine if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Levocetirizine or to cetirizine
- you have severe kidney problems or you are receiving dialysis
- the patient is a child 6 months to 11 years old who has kidney problems
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Levocetirizine:
Some medical conditions may interact with Levocetirizine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have kidney or liver problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Levocetirizine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Ritonavir or theophylline because they may increase the risk of Levocetirizine's side effects
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Levocetirizine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Levocetirizine:
Use Levocetirizine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Levocetirizine by mouth with or without food. Take it in the evening unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- If you miss a dose of Levocetirizine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Levocetirizine.
Important safety information:
- Levocetirizine may cause drowsiness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Levocetirizine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Levocetirizine; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- The risk of drowsiness may be greater if you take Levocetirizine in high doses. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
- Use Levocetirizine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Levocetirizine should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 6 years; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Levocetirizine while you are pregnant. Levocetirizine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Levocetirizine.
Possible side effects of Levocetirizine:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Drowsiness; dry mouth; sore throat; tiredness; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); burning, numbness, or tingling; dark urine; difficult or painful urination; dizziness; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; mental or mood changes (eg, aggression, agitation); nosebleeds; seizure; shortness of breath; vision problems (eg, blurred vision); vomiting; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Levocetirizine side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include agitation; irritability; restlessness; severe drowsiness.
Proper storage of Levocetirizine:
Store Levocetirizine between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Levocetirizine out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Levocetirizine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Levocetirizine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Levocetirizine. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Levocetirizine resources
- Levocetirizine Side Effects (in more detail)
- Levocetirizine Dosage
- Levocetirizine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Levocetirizine Drug Interactions
- Levocetirizine Support Group
- 63 Reviews for Levocetirizine - Add your own review/rating
- Levocetirizine Prescribing Information (FDA)
- levocetirizine Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Xyzal Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Xyzal Consumer Overview
Compare Levocetirizine with other medications
- Allergies
- Hay Fever
- Urticaria
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