Pharmacist's Verdict
Xyzal is an effective once-daily allergy medicine best for those needing strong relief from various allergy symptoms, including hives, but watch out for potential drowsiness and interactions with alcohol.
Ingredient Analysis
Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Provides strong relief from common allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and itchy nose.
- Effective for treating chronic hives and skin itching.
- Only needs to be taken once a day, making it convenient.
- Generally causes less drowsiness compared to older allergy medicines (first-generation antihistamines).
Cons
- Can still cause drowsiness in some people, so caution is needed, especially when driving or operating machinery.
- Avoid alcohol and other sedatives or tranquilizers, as they can increase drowsiness.
- Not suitable for individuals with kidney disease or those who have trouble urinating or emptying their bladder.
- Can be more expensive than older, generic allergy medications.
Safety Information
Warnings
Warnings Do not use if you have kidney disease if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients or to an antihistamine containing cetirizine Ask a doctor before use if you have ever had trouble urinating or emptying your bladder When using this product drowsiness may occur avoid alcoholic drinks alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery Stop use and ask a doctor if you have trouble urinating or emptying your bladder an allergic reaction to this product occurs. Seek medical help right away. If pregnant or breast-feeding: if breast-feeding: not recommended if pregnant: ask a health professional before use Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or…
Is Xyzal safe for you?
See pregnancy, interactions, and common concerns answered in our pharmacist safety FAQ.
Read safety review →References
- 1.FDA Drug Label — levocetirizine dihydrochloride
FDA DailyMed: levocetirizine dihydrochloride · FDA
- 2.FDA Drug Label — Xyzal Allergy 24HR
FDA DailyMed: Xyzal Allergy 24HR · FDA
- 3.Efficacy of different oral H(1) antihistamine treatments on allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Hong D, Weng J, Ye M, et al., Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology, 2023 · PubMed
- 4.Efficacy and safety of montelukast-levocetirizine combination therapy in combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Shao M, Sun J, Zheng Q, The Journal of asthma : official journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma, 2025 · PubMed
- 5.Treatment of acute urticaria: A systematic review.
Badloe FMS, Grosber M, Ring J, et al., Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV, 2024 · PubMed
- 6.Clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of desloratadine, fexofenadine and levocetirizine : a comparative review.
Devillier P, Roche N, Faisy C, Clinical pharmacokinetics, 2008 · PubMed