At a glance
| Generic | levocetirizine |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Levocetirizine dihydrochloride 5 mg |
| Type | Oral antihistamine (pill) |
| Label uses | runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat |
| Nasal congestion on label | No |
| Drowsiness | May cause drowsiness |
| How often | Once a day, in the evening |
| Youngest age on label | 6 years |
| Maximum | 1 tablet (5 mg) in 24 hours for ages 12 to 64 |
What it treats
The label says Xyzal temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itching of the nose or throat
Dose by age
| Who | Label directions |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Drowsiness
May cause drowsiness The label says "drowsiness may occur" and to avoid alcohol. It is taken in the evening.
Warnings on the label
- 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.
Levocetirizine is an isomer (the active form) of cetirizine, the ingredient in Zyrtec. Ask a pharmacist before taking both.
Compare Xyzal with
Frequently asked questions
Is Xyzal non-drowsy?
The label says "drowsiness may occur" and to avoid alcohol. It is taken in the evening.
How often can you take Xyzal?
Once a day, in the evening. Maximum on the label: 1 tablet (5 mg) in 24 hours for ages 12 to 64.
Can children take 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. Children under 6: Do not use.
Is generic levocetirizine the same as Xyzal?
Store-brand products list their active ingredient on the Drug Facts label. If it says Levocetirizine dihydrochloride 5 mg, it is the same medicine at the same strength. Check the label for other added ingredients.
Source
Xyzal Allergy 24HR Drug Facts label (Drugs.com, from the manufacturer's label). Labeler: Chattem, Inc.. Checked October 17, 2026. Labels change, so read the one on your box. This page summarizes the label and is not medical advice. How we check.