What is levocetirizine used for?

Levocetirizine is a common medication that’s usually available over the counter (OTC). Its brand name is Xyzal. It belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines. In particular, levocetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of levocetirizine to manage various conditions related to allergies. Doctors may sometimes prescribe it for other uses, but this is considered off-label and the FDA has not approved it.

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What is levocetirizine?

When your body encounters something you’re allergic to, whether it’s pollen, pet dander, or another allergen, it releases a substance called histamine. Histamine is what causes the symptoms you typically associate with an allergic reaction, including:

• itchy skin
• sneezing
• a runny nose
• hives

Levocetirizine belongs to a class of drugs called H1 antihistamines. H1 antihistamines work by binding to the H1 receptors in your body. H1 receptors create allergic symptoms when they get activated. When the antihistamine binds to these receptors, it blocks the effect of histamine and stops the activation of the receptors. This helps prevent allergy symptoms.

Experts divide H1 antihistamines into two categories: first-generation and second-generation. First-generation antihistamines can cross the blood-brain barrier to affect your central nervous system (CNS), whereas second-generation ones do not. Levocetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine.

Second-generation antihistamines are generally preferred to first-generation ones because they don’t affect your CNS, and are less likely to have unpleasant adverse effects.

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What conditions does it treat?

Because of levocetirizine’s impact on allergy symptoms, it’s generally used to treat allergic conditions, such as:

• allergic rhinitis
• urticaria (hives)

Levocetirizine is considered very effective at managing these conditions. According to 2023 research, levocetirizine may be better than other antihistamines at relieving symptoms, especially for people with severe allergic rhinitis. It may also be more effective than other antihistamines at managing urticaria.

What are the side effects of levocetirizine?

Like any medication, levocetirizine may cause some side effects, including:

• sleepiness
• weakness
• sore throat
• dry mouth
• fever
• cough

While sedation and sleepiness are a common side effect of antihistamines, second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cause this effect than first-generation ones. This is because they don’t affect your CNS. Compared to other antihistamines, levocetirizine causes a milder effect.

It’s important to note that you should avoid levocetirizine and speak with a doctor if you have kidney disease. This is because it’s passed through your kidneys after you take it, and people with kidney disease may end up with a buildup of the medication in their body, which may raise the risk of toxicity.

You should also stop taking the medication and speak with a doctor if you find it means you can’t urinate as expected.

Dosage and administration

Levocetirizine may come in different dosages depending on the formulation. However, it most often comes in 5-milligram (mg) tablets. The amount you should take is different depending on your age:

• people ages 12 to 64 years: one 5-mg tablet once daily
• children ages 6 to 11 years: half a tablet (2.5 mg) once daily

Children under the age of 6 years should not take levocetirizine. Adults over the age of 65 years should speak with a doctor before taking this medication.

You can take levocetirizine at any time of day, with or without a meal. However, if you find that it makes you feel sleepy, you may take it before bed so that the drowsiness doesn’t affect you when you are awake.

Online care for seasonal allergies

While levocetirizine is available OTC, if you think you have seasonal allergies, it may be a good idea to get a diagnosis from a doctor. Healthcare professionals can guide you on the right medications and even prescribe antihistamines if necessary.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Summary

Levocetirizine is a common medication that’s often available OTC. It belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines. Specifically, it is a second-generation H1 antihistamine.

Levocetirizine is used to treat allergy symptoms caused by allergic rhinitis. It can also help manage itching caused by hives. It does this by binding to H1 receptors in your body, blocking the action of histamine — the chemical your body releases when it comes into contact with an allergen. This reduces the symptoms of your allergy.

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