Xyzal (levocetirizine) is a medication used to treat allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and itchy or water eyes. According to MedlinePlus, Xyzal is an antihistamine medication that interferes with the histamine (natural substances made in cells to promote allergy symptoms) release from your cells. This medication is available as an oral solution and as a tablet. The National Library of Medicine says that you will take 5 mg of the Xyzal tablet or two teaspoons of the oral solution once a day at night.
Common Side Effects
In a placebo-controlled trial study of 421 patients taking Xyzal, the National Library of Medicine found that five percent experienced drowsiness, six percent developed throat and nasal irritation, one percent developed fatigue, three percent suffered from dry mouth and two percent developed a sore throat. MedlinePlus indicates that Xyzal can also cause hives, a rash, itching and facial, leg, feet or ankle swelling. Fortunately, Xyzal's common manifestations are not life threatening, but inform your physician when these side effects persist for more than four days.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com indicates that Xyzal may cause a fever, stomach pain, nose bleeds and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes). Jaundice is typically a physical manifestation of liver damage. Your doctor will obtain a blood sample to determine your alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. ALT and AST are both liver enzymes that become elevated when your liver is damaged. Xyzal can also cause hallucinations, confusion, strange thoughts and foul-smelling stool. Call your physician when you exhibit any of Xyzal's serious side effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Xyzal if you are allergic to levocetirizine or any other antihistamines. You may develop hives, trouble breathing and throat or tongue swelling. Inform your physician if you have kidney, liver or gallbladder disease as your doctor may have to change Xyzal's dosage. This medication may contaminate breast milk and harm your baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Xyzal, as it may exacerbate the aforementioned side effects.
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