Xyzal

What is Xyzal?

Xyzal is a type of medicine which relieves allergy symptoms including runny nose, itchy eyes and nose, watery eyes and sneezing. It can also help with hives and nettle rash.

The treatment is an antiallergic medicine which has levocetirizine as its active ingredient. This is a type of medicine called an antihistamine, which works to prevent allergic reactions.

How does Xyzal work?

Xyzal blocks the action of something called histamine, a natural substance made by your body during allergic reactions. Sometimes this substance is overproduced when you experience allergic reactions, which results in unpleasant symptoms such as itchiness, blocked nose and rashes.

Histamine is typically formed in your body when it detects that there could be something harmful in the environment close to you. Blood vessels begin to expand and your skin turns red, as this chemical scrambles to protect the body.

If you’re allergic to dust, animal hair and pollen, your histamine response is a little more sensitive than usual. The body then mistakes these substances as a threat and you’ll get allergy symptoms.

This is where antihistamines come in. They’re especially helpful if you take them before coming into contact with an allergy trigger, to help minimise the severity of symptoms you may experience.

What doses of Xyzal are there?

Xyzal is available as a 5mg tablet. The recommended dose is one 5mg tablet daily.

How to take Xyzal

Swallow the tablet whole with water. It can be taken with or without food.

Avoid drinking alcohol at the same time as Xyzal as it may worsen your side effects like drowsiness.

How long does it take Xyzal to work?

Xyzal should start to work within an hour of taking it.^[1] You’ll see that symptoms ease fully throughout the day.^[2] The most common side effects when taking Xyzal are drowsiness, and a dry mouth.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Xyzal?

If you take too much by mistake, see a doctor. If you have difficulty breathing then call 999.

If you’re taking Xyzal regularly and you accidentally miss a dose, then take it when you remember. If this is close to the time of your next dose, then take that one as usual and skip the missed dose. Avoid doubling doses.