Levocetirizine

The prescription antihistamine levocetirizine is used to treat allergy symptoms and chronic hives of unknown cause. By blocking the effects of histamine, this medication reduces the symptoms of sneezing, a runny nose, and itching eyes. It comes in tablet and liquid form, and is usually taken once a day in the evening. Common side effects include dry mouth, fatigue, and drowsiness.

What Is Levocetirizine?

Levocetirizine dihydrochloride (Xyzal®) is a prescription antihistamine medication that is approved to treat the following conditions:
 
  • Allergies, including seasonal allergies and allergies that occur all year long (known as perennial allergies)
  • Chronic hives due to unknown causes (known medically as chronic idiopathic urticaria).
     
(Click What Is Levocetirizine Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Are There Side Effects?

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with levocetirizine.
 However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.
 
Common side effects seen with levocetirizine include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Side Effects of Levocetirizine to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
Levocetirizine Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
Referring Pages Articles Health Topics Drugs & Supplements