Levocetirizine is an OTC and prescription medication used to treat symptoms of allergic reactions. This includes allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic conjunctivitis (eye irritation), and allergic skin reactions.

Levocetirizine is available in generic form or under the brand name Xyzal. Xyzal is only available via prescription, while Children’s Xyzal is available over the counter. This means that the medication can be purchased without a prescription.

Levocetirizine is prescribed to patients to help manage symptoms caused by an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions happen when your body thinks that harmless substances, like pet dander or dust, are pathogens that could make you sick. When this happens, your body prompts an immune response - which causes symptoms like itchy eyes, itchy or runny nose, and scratchy throat that make allergic reactions troublesome.

Seasonal allergy symptoms can include allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, sinus pressure or pain, nasal congestion) and swollen or red, itchy eyes. There is no cure for allergies, but a treatment plan can manage the symptoms listed above.

Levocetirizine has been shown to cause mild side effects. Talk to a health care provider if these adverse reactions become severe or do not go away after a few days.

Mild side effects reported from levocetirizine use include:

• Dry mouth
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Dizziness
  
• Weakness
  
• Sore throat
  
• Stuffy or runny nose
  
  

More serious side effects include:

• Difficulty breathing
  
• Skin rash
  
• Hives
  
• Swelling of face, arms, hands, legs or feet
  
  

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. These are signs of a severe adverse reaction or overdose requiring medical treatment.

As with all medications, inform your prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications and supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with levocetirizine. This drug can interact with other medicines and substances, leading to potentially serious side effects.

You should tell your provider if you are taking:

• Central nervous system (CNS) depressants
  
• Other antihistamines
  
• CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitors
  
• St. John’s Wort
  
• Antiarrhythmic medications
  
• Cimetidine
  
• Rifampin
  
  

This is not a complete list of all drugs that interact with levocetirizine. Make a comprehensive list of all medicines and supplements that you take before starting treatment with this drug.

You should also tell your health care provider about any medical conditions you manage.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with levocetirizine. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it and inform your health care provider immediately.

Levocetirizine is supplied as an oral tablet. The prescribed dosage varies depending on the patient's age, body weight, and the severity of the condition requiring treatment.

Most adult patients are prescribed a once-daily dose of levocetirizine. This dosage may be adjusted depending on your need. You can take this medication with or without food.

Do not discontinue or increase your levocetirizine dosage without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regularly scheduled amount. Do not take a double dose of levocetirizine.

Levocetirizine should be stored in the container it’s supplied in. Keep these containers at room temperature, away from excess heat or moisture.

Do not freeze this medication.

Keep all medicines out of sight and out of the reach of children. Ensure that the caps of all medicine bottles are tightly closed and locked (if applicable).

Children’s Xyzal can be purchased over the counter. This means that it can be purchased without a prescription.

More potent formulations of levocetirizine are only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this drug.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not levocetirizine might be right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for levocetirizine to be picked up near you—often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

Levocetirizine is a generic drug. It’s available in its generic form or under brand names like:

• Xyzal