Compare Xyzal vs. Zyrtec
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats allergy symptoms.
Xyzal (Levocetirizine) is good for treating allergy symptoms, but it can cause drowsiness.
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4.3/ 5 average rating with 16 reviewsforXyzal
Treats allergy symptoms.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) can help you with some allergy symptoms without making you very drowsy.
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 1232 reviewsforZyrtec
Upsides
- Xyzal (Levocetirizine) is taken once a day to help with allergy symptoms.
- Available as a generic in both liquid and tablets.
- Can be taken with or without food.
- Children can take lower doses of Xyzal (Levocetirizine).
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) works to treat sneezing and runny nose, and causes less sedation compared to Benadryl.
- Works well to also treat hives and itchy skin.
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) is available over the counter without a prescription. It comes as a tablet, liquid, and quick-dissolving tablet.
- It can provide relief of allergy symptoms for both kids and adults.
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) has few drug interactions with other medicines.
- Most people don't get any side effects from Zyrtec (cetirizine).
Downsides
- Can cause drowsiness.
- Don't take Xyzal (Levocetirizine) if you have poor kidney function.
- Xyzal (Levocetirizine) is similar to Zyrtec, another allergy medication, so if you can't take Zyrtec, you won't be able to take Xyzal (Levocetirizine).
- Although it works fast, Zyrtec (cetirizine)'s effectiveness wears off for some people over time.
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) can make you a little more sleepy compared to Allegra or Claritin.
- Some people find that other more sedating antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), are more effective for them than Zyrtec (cetirizine).
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$9.09
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$3.19
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Reviews
16 reviews so far
88%
saidit'sworth it
88%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Xyzal (Levocetirizine)?
Leave a review1232 reviews so far
76%
saidit'sworth it
47%
saiditworked well
7%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Zyrtec (cetirizine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
7possible side effects
- Somnolence6%
- Nasopharyngitis4%
- Fatigue4%
- Pyrexia4%
- Cough3%
- Dry Mouth2%
- Epistaxis2%
The Zyrtec (cetirizine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Increased side effects
- Current kidney problems
- Increased side effects
- Age 65 or older
- Urinary retention or blockage
- Enlarged prostate
- Spinal cord conditions
- Increased side effects in the elderly
- Age 65 or older
- Impaired alertness
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- History of liver or kidney conditions
- History of liver or kidney disease