Levocetirizine dihydrochloride (Xyzal)

Levocetirizine is a non-drowsy antihistamine tablet that provides relief from symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). It can also help with allergies from dust mites and pets, as well as skin rashes like hives and urticaria.

It is available under the brand name Xyzal. You can get a prescription for Xyzal hay fever tablets after completing a free online consultation with HealthExpress.

Levocetirizine has unique benefits compared to other hay fever medications.

• once-daily dosing
• fast acting (works within 1 hour)
• relief lasts for 24 hours
• is non-drowsy*

*This medicine can still make you feel a little drowsy however, this is generally minimal compared to first-generation antihistamines.

Our bodies produce a substance called histamine in response to allergens such as pet fur or pollen. When this happens, it causes hay fever symptoms such as watery and itchy eyes, a blocked or runny nose, and sneezing.

Levocetirizine works by blocking histamine receptors and preventing the compound from causing these uncomfortable symptoms.

This medicine usually starts to work within an hour. However, it may take longer for full relief from symptoms.

Each tablet contains 5mg of the active ingredient Levocetirizine dihydrochloride. The recommended dose is one 5mg tablet taken once a day. You should swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food.

You should try to take this medicine around the same time daily. If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose.

Always follow the instructions detailed in your patient leaflet. You should always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you to.

How to take Levocetirizine
	Take one 5 mg tablet once a day
	Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water
	You can take it with or without food
	The medicine usually starts to work within an hour

There are other actions you can take to prevent hay fever symptoms and reduce your exposure to pollen. Here are some tips:

1. Avoid pollen:
   • Wear sunglasses and a hat when you go outside to keep pollen away from your eyes and face.
2. Keep pollen out of your home:
   • Keep your windows and doors shut when pollen counts are high.
   • Use air purifiers with special filters to clean the air inside your house.
3. Clean off pollen:
   • Take a shower and wash your hair before bed to wash off any pollen.
   • Change into fresh clothes after being outside and wash your worn clothes to get rid of pollen.
4. Limit time outside when pollen is high:
   • Try to go outside when pollen counts are low, like after it rains.
   • Keep car windows closed when driving around.
5. Keep your home clean and tidy
   • Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause adverse effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effects affect approximately 1 in 10 people and include:

• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• tiredness

If you experience any of these side effects, or any not listed, contact your doctor for advice. They may advise you to stop taking this medicine.

If you suspect you are suffering an allergic reaction to the medication, stop treatment and seek medical advice immediately.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

• swelling of the mouth, tongue, face and/or throat
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• chest tightness or wheezing
• hives

Levocetirizine is suitable for people with allergies, for example, those with seasonal allergies such as hay fever.

It can also be used to treat people who have allergies to indoor allergens, such as dust mites or pet dander.

Who cannot take it?

This medicine may not be suitable for some groups of people. You should avoid taking it if you are allergic to Levocetirizine, Cetirizine or any of the other added ingredients in this medicine.

Also, avoid taking this medicine if you have end-stage kidney disease.

Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you:

• have problems emptying your bladder (with conditions such as spinal cord injury or an enlarged prostate)
• suffer from epilepsy or are at risk of convulsions

Please note, that if you are due to have an allergy test, this medicine may affect your test results.

Although it is a non-sedating antihistamine, some people find that this medication can cause mild drowsiness. You should avoid driving or operating machinery if this applies to you.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to conceive, you should speak to your doctor before taking this medication.

Are there any drug interactions?

Tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking as these could impact the effectiveness of this medicine. This may include herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements and other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Levocetirizine may interact with medicines such as ritonavir, theophylline, and medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Speak to your doctor if you are taking either of these.

At HealthExpress, we have several hay fever treatment options available. Other non-drowsy tablet options include Fexofenadine, Loratadine, Desloratadine and Cetirizine.

Levocetirizine vs Cetirizine

Both these medications share similar names as well as similarities in their core chemical makeup.

Levocetirizine was developed from Cetirizine. Since both medications have a common core chemical structure, they generally have a similar level of effectiveness.

One study showed that most patients who experienced drowsiness from taking Cetirizine were able to tolerate Levocetirizine.

Here are some other key differences:

No. Levocetirizine is a prescription-only medicine, so you will need a prescription to purchase it.

Yes, you can buy Levocetirizine 5 mg tablets online from HealthExpress. To do so, you must complete a consultation form. This will be reviewed by one of our registered doctors.

If this medicine is safe for you to take, our doctors will prescribe the treatment. Your treatment will be sent straight to your door with free next-day delivery.