Why should I take XYZAL at night? Use as directed and take XYZAL at night to relieve allergy symptoms while you sleep, you get a better night’s sleep and wake up refreshed for a more productive day ahead.

In addition to its being a potent antihistamine, levocetirizine has several documented anti-inflammatory effects that are observed at clinically relevant concentrations that may enhance its therapeutic benefit.

Do not use with any other antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray) because increased side effects may occur. Levocetirizine is very similar to hydroxyzine and cetirizine. Do not use these medications while using levocetirizine.

cetirizine (Zyrtec) and levocetirizine (Xyzal): You may experience increased drowsiness if you take cetirizine or levocetirizine in combination with methyldopa (Aldomet). diphenhydramine (Benadryl): Any product containing diphenhydramine may counteract the effects of many of your blood pressure medications.

You should not use Xyzal if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine (Zyrtec). You should not take Xyzal if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. Any child younger than 12 years old with kidney disease should not take levocetirizine.

XYZAL is known to be substantially excreted by the kidneys and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function.

Antihistamines may also increase appetite, which can cause weight gain. Anecdotally, people using Xyzal (levocetirizine)—an antihistamine similar to Zyrtec (cetirizine)—they have noticed they have put on extra pounds, which is what a very small percentage of patients who used the drug during trials experienced.

XYZAL can be taken without regard to food consumption. The recommended dose of XYZAL is 5 mg (1 tablet or 2 teaspoons [10 mL] oral solution) once daily in the evening. Some patients may be adequately controlled by 2.5 mg (1/2 tablet or 1 teaspoon [5 mL] oral solution) once daily in the evening.

Overdosage has been reported with XYZAL. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness in adults. In children agitation and restlessness may initially occur, followed by drowsiness. There is no known specific antidote to XYZAL.

For hay fever: For oral dosage form (Children’s Xyzal® Allergy 24HR solution): Adults and children 12 years of age and older—5 or 10 milliliters (mL) once a day taken in the evening. Do not take more than 10 mL in 24 hours.

Xyzal is used for the treatment of symptoms related to allergic rhinitis (aka hay fever). These include runny nose, sneezing, rash, and itchy eyes. Xyzal is available over the counter but carries the risk of some side effects like headache, cough, drowsiness, and more.

Azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) and ipratropium (Atrovent) work to reduce runny nose and cough. Azelastine is an antihistamine that may cause sleepiness, but when it’s taken with intranasal steroids, it works very well for non-allergic post-nasal drip.

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, tiredness, and dry mouth may occur. Fever or cough may also occur, especially in children. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.