| Xyzal | Zyrtec | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic | levocetirizine | cetirizine |
| Active ingredient | Levocetirizine dihydrochloride 5 mg | Cetirizine HCl 10 mg |
| Type | Oral antihistamine (pill) | Oral antihistamine (pill) |
| Label uses | runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat | runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat |
| Nasal congestion on label | No | No |
| Drowsiness | May cause drowsiness | May cause drowsiness |
| How often | Once a day, in the evening | Once a day |
| Youngest age on label | 6 years | 6 years |
| Maximum | 1 tablet (5 mg) in 24 hours for ages 12 to 64 | 1 tablet (10 mg) in 24 hours |
The main differences
Both are oral antihistamines and list the same core uses on the label: itching of the nose or throat, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing.
On drowsiness, both labels say the same thing: may cause drowsiness. Xyzal is taken in the evening.
Dosing: Xyzal is once a day, in the evening; Zyrtec is once a day.
Which might suit you
- you prefer a once-a-day dose at night
- you want a single daily pill
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.
Zyrtec
- Adults and children 6 years and over: One 10 mg tablet once daily. Do not take more than one 10 mg tablet in 24 hours. The label notes a 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.
- Adults 65 and over: Ask a doctor.
- Children under 6: Ask a doctor.
- Liver or kidney disease: Ask a doctor.
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.
Zyrtec
- Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients, or to an antihistamine containing hydroxyzine.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease.
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you take tranquilizers or sedatives.
- If breast-feeding: not recommended. If pregnant: ask a health professional before use.
Compare prices for Xyzal Compare prices for Zyrtec
Frequently asked questions
Is Xyzal or Zyrtec 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 Zyrtec together?
Both are antihistamines, and the labels don't cover combining them. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before combining allergy medicines.
Sources: Xyzal Allergy 24HR Drug Facts label (Drugs.com, from the manufacturer's label); Zyrtec Drug Facts label (Drugs.com, from the manufacturer's label). Checked October 17, 2026. Not medical advice. How we check.