Treating allergy symptoms and chronic hives. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Xyzal is an antihistamine. It works by blocking a substance in the body called histamine. This helps to decrease allergy symptoms and hives.
Do NOT use Xyzal if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Xyzal or to cetirizine
you have severe kidney problems or you are receiving dialysis
the patient is a child 6 months to 11 years old who has kidney problems
Contact your doctor right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Xyzal:
Some medical conditions may interact with Xyzal. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have kidney or liver problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Xyzal. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Ritonavir or theophylline because they may increase the risk of Xyzal's side effects
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your doctor if Xyzal may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Xyzal:
Use Xyzal as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Xyzal by mouth with or without food. Take it in the evening unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
If you miss a dose of Xyzal, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your doctor any questions you may have about how to use Xyzal.
Important safety information:
Xyzal may cause drowsiness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Xyzal with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Xyzal; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
The risk of drowsiness may be greater if you take Xyzal in high doses. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
Use Xyzal with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Xyzal should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 6 years; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Xyzal while you are pregnant. Xyzal is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Xyzal.
Possible side effects of Xyzal:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); burning, numbness, or tingling; dark urine; difficult or painful urination; dizziness; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; mental or mood changes (eg, aggression, agitation); nosebleeds; seizure; shortness of breath; vision problems (eg, blurred vision); vomiting; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Symptoms may include agitation; irritability; restlessness; severe drowsiness.
Proper storage of Xyzal:
Store Xyzal between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Xyzal out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
If you have any questions about Xyzal, please talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Xyzal is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Xyzal. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
