| Xyzal | Flonase | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic | levocetirizine | fluticasone propionate |
| Active ingredient | Levocetirizine dihydrochloride 5 mg | Fluticasone propionate 50 mcg per spray |
| Type | Oral antihistamine (pill) | Steroid nasal spray |
| Label uses | runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat | nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, itchy, watery eyes |
| Nasal congestion on label | No | Yes |
| Drowsiness | May cause drowsiness | No drowsiness warning |
| How often | Once a day, in the evening | Once a day |
| Youngest age on label | 6 years | 4 years |
| Maximum | 1 tablet (5 mg) in 24 hours for ages 12 to 64 | 2 sprays in each nostril once a day |
The main differences
They are different kinds of medicine. Xyzal is an oral antihistamine (pill) you swallow; Flonase is a steroid nasal spray you spray into the nose. Flonase's label lists nasal congestion among its uses; Xyzal's does not.
On drowsiness: Xyzal: The label says "drowsiness may occur" and to avoid alcohol. It is taken in the evening. Flonase: The label has no drowsiness warning.
For children, Flonase is labeled from age 4, while Xyzal is labeled from age 6.
Dosing: Xyzal is once a day, in the evening; Flonase is once a day.
Which might suit you
- you prefer a once-a-day dose at night
- a stuffy nose is your main problem
- you need to stay alert during the day
- it is for a child aged 4 or older
This is based only on what the two labels say. Neither label claims to work better than the other. A pharmacist can help if you have other conditions or take other medicines.
Dose by age
Xyzal
- Adults and children 12 to 64: 1 tablet (5 mg) once daily in the evening. Not more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.
- Children 6 to 11: Half a tablet (2.5 mg) once daily in the evening. Not more than half a tablet in 24 hours.
- Adults 65 and older: Ask a doctor.
- Children under 6: Do not use.
Flonase
- Adults and children 12 and over: Week 1: 2 sprays in each nostril once daily. Week 2 through 6 months: 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, as needed. Ask a doctor about use beyond 6 months of daily use.
- Children 4 to 11: 1 spray in each nostril once daily, with adult supervision, for the shortest time needed. Ask the child's doctor if needed more than two months a year.
- Children under 4: Do not use.
Key warnings
Xyzal
- Do not use if you have kidney disease.
- Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have ever had trouble urinating or emptying your bladder.
- Alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness.
Flonase
- Do not use to treat asthma, in children under 4, or with a nasal injury or surgery that has not fully healed.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have or had glaucoma or cataracts.
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you take ritonavir or other HIV medicines, another steroid medicine, or ketoconazole pills.
- The growth rate of some children may be slower while using it.
Compare prices for Xyzal Compare prices for Flonase
Frequently asked questions
Is Xyzal or Flonase better?
Neither label claims to work better than the other. Which suits you depends on your symptoms, age, and whether drowsiness matters, as compared above. A pharmacist can help you choose.
Can you take Xyzal and Flonase together?
The labels don't cover taking these two together. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before combining allergy medicines.
Sources: Xyzal Allergy 24HR Drug Facts label (Drugs.com, from the manufacturer's label); Flonase Allergy Relief Drug Facts label (Guideline Central, from DailyMed). Checked October 17, 2026. Not medical advice. How we check.