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Overview: Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that is taken to help treat allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, or an itchy nose or throat. It may also be taken to reduce itching and hives on the skin. Levocetirizine is available over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription and comes as a liquid or tablet that you take orally. Common side effects may include drowsiness and dry mouth. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how levocetirizine affects you. Tell your health care provider if you have kidney problems or trouble peeing before taking levocetirizine.

Uses

What is levocetirizine used for?

Levocetirizine is commonly taken to help with the following.

Levocetirizine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does levocetirizine work (mechanism of action)?

Levocetirizine is an antihistamine. It helps to reduce allergy symptoms, itching, and hives by blocking the effect of a substance in your body called histamine.

How is levocetirizine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Xyzal Allergy 24HR

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2.5 mg/5 mL oral solution
  • 5 mg oral tablets

How should I store levocetirizine?

Levocetirizine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of levocetirizine?

The most common side effects of levocetirizine are listed below. These side effects may vary based on your age. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness or tiredness
  • Dry mouth
  • Infection of the nose, throat, or ear
  • Sore throat, cough, or common cold symptoms
  • Fever
  • Nosebleeds
  • Diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting
  • Feeling unusually weak or tired

There may be other side effects of levocetirizine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of levocetirizine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of levocetirizine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Levocetirizine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking levocetirizine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Inability to Empty Bladder (Urinary Retention). Levocetirizine might make it harder to empty your bladder, especially if you already have a blockage. Stop taking levocetirizine and call your health care provider right away if you are having trouble peeing or cannot empty your bladder.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use levocetirizine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take levocetirizine.

  • Levocetirizine
  • Cetirizine
  • Xyzal Allergy 24HR
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific levocetirizine products they stock.

Kidney Problems. Levocetirizine should not be taken if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your health care provider may do tests to see if they are working well enough to take this medicine.

What should I know about levocetirizine before using it?

If levocetirizine was prescribed to you by a health care provider, take it as prescribed. If you are taking over-the-counter (OTC) levocetirizine, read and follow the instructions that come with the product.

Do not share levocetirizine that was prescribed for you by a health care provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep levocetirizine out of the reach of children.

If you are taking levocetirizine liquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

Levocetirizine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how levocetirizine affects you.

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk of some side effects from levocetirizine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using levocetirizine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if levocetirizine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following. 

  • Kidney problems
  • Trouble peeing
  • Prostate problems, such as an enlarged prostate
  • Spinal cord injury 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Levocetirizine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking levocetirizine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how levocetirizine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if levocetirizine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take levocetirizine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does levocetirizine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between levocetirizine and foods or non-alcoholic drinks.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking levocetirizine. The risk of drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking levocetirizine.

Does levocetirizine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking levocetirizine.

  • Any other medicine that causes sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety
  • Ritonavir (Norvir), which is a medicine commonly used to treat HIV
  • Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24), which is a medicine for asthma or certain other breathing problems

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with levocetirizine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much levocetirizine?

If you or someone else has taken too much levocetirizine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of levocetirizine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.