Xyzal Treatment and Use
Xyzal | Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that relieves common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, watery eyes and hives. It is prescribed for year-round (indoor) allergies in patients who are at least six months old and for seasonal (outdoor) allergies in patients who are at least two years old. Xyzal is co-marketed by UCB and Sanofi. The FDA approved it for use in 2007.
How does Xyzal work?
Histamines are organic compounds in the body that cause inflammation as part of the immune system’s response to germs or infections. Histamines also cause fluids to leak from the capillaries. This results in symptoms such as runny nose and watery eyes. Medicines such as Xyzal work to prevent histamines from binding to their receptors.
Dosage
Xyzal is available in tablet and liquid forms. It is taken by mouth every day, during the evening. It may be taken with or without food. The actual dosage varies by age.
Adults and children (12 years and up)
- Five milligrams, once per day
- The tablet form may be broken in half, if necessary.
- Some patients, such as those with kidney disease, may find that a lower daily dosage of 2.5 milligrams is equally effective. Talk to your doctor about your options.
Children (six to 11 years old)
- 2.5 milligrams (half a tablet), once per day
Children (six months to 5 years old)
Children 6 months to 5 Years of Age
Xyzal Dosage and Administration
Xyzal is available as 2.5 mg/5 mL (0.5 mg/mL) oral solution and as 5 mg breakable (scored) tablets, allowing for the administration of 2.5 mg, if needed. Xyzal can be taken without regard to food consumption.
Adults and Children 12 Years of Age and Older
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.
Children 6 to 11 Years of Age
The recommended dose of Xyzal is 2.5 mg (1/2 tablet or 1 teaspoon [5 mL] oral solution) once daily in the evening. The 2.5 mg dose should not be exceeded because the systemic exposure with 5 mg is approximately twice that of adults [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Children 6 months to 5 Years of Age
The recommended initial dose of Xyzal is 1.25 mg (1/2 teaspoon oral solution) [2.5mL] once daily in the evening.
