Xyzal

What is Xyzal?

Xyzal contains the active ingredient levocetirizine dihydrochloride, which is a modern, non-sedating antihistamine belonging to the drug class H1-receptor antagonists. It is the active enantiomer of cetirizine, meaning it's the more effective "right-handed" version of the molecule that specifically targets histamine receptors.

Mechanism of Action

Xyzal works by blocking histamine H1 receptors in the body. Think of histamine as a key that fits into specific locks (receptors) in your body, triggering allergy symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Xyzal works like a custom-made blocker that fits perfectly into these histamine "locks," preventing the histamine key from opening them and causing symptoms. This blockade occurs primarily in the peripheral H1 receptors, effectively reducing allergic responses without significantly affecting the central nervous system in most patients.

Biological Pathway

When you encounter an allergen (like pollen or pet dander), your immune system releases histamine from mast cells. This histamine travels to H1 receptors throughout your body, particularly in the nose, eyes, lungs, and skin. By competitively inhibiting these receptors, levocetirizine prevents the cascade of inflammatory responses that cause classic allergy symptoms.

What is Xyzal Used For?

Xyzal is approved for the treatment of symptoms associated with:

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), including persistent allergic rhinitis
• Chronic urticaria (nettle rash or hives)

Target Patient Populations

Before Using Xyzal

Essential considerations before initiating treatment:

Medical History Assessment

• Allergy to levocetirizine, cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any excipients
• Kidney disease or impaired renal function
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Difficulty emptying bladder (spinal cord injury, enlarged prostate)
• Scheduled for allergy testing
• Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Liver disease
• Lactose intolerance (contains lactose)

Required Baseline Considerations

1. Renal function assessment in elderly patients and those with known kidney issues
2. Evaluation of urinary retention risk factors
3. Review of current medications for potential interactions
4. Assessment of driving/operating machinery requirements

Xyzal Contraindications

Absolute contraindications where Xyzal must not be used:

Absolute Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to levocetirizine dihydrochloride, cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any excipient
• Severe renal impairment (end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis)

Special Warnings

Special Population Considerations

Elderly Patients (≥65 years)

• No dose adjustment needed if renal function is normal
• Age-related decline in renal function common - assessment recommended
• Increased monitoring for drowsiness or dizziness

Renal Impairment

• Mild impairment (CrCl 50-80 mL/min): 5 mg daily
• Moderate impairment (CrCl 30-50 mL/min): 5 mg daily
• Moderate to severe impairment (CrCl 10-30 mL/min): 5 mg every other day
• Severe impairment (CrCl <10 mL/min) or dialysis: Contraindicated

Hepatic Impairment

• No dose adjustment needed for isolated hepatic impairment
• For combined hepatic and renal impairment: follow renal dosing guidelines

Pediatric Patients

• Children 6-12 years: 5 mg once daily
• Children under 6 years: Not recommended (film-coated tablets don't allow dose adaptation)
• Oral solution formulation required for children under 6 years

Xyzal and Other Medicines

Inform your doctor about all medications, including:

High-Risk Combinations

• CNS Depressants: Alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, sedatives - may increase drowsiness
• Theophylline: May slightly decrease levocetirizine clearance
• Ritonavir: Potential interaction (monitor for increased effects)
• Other Antihistamines: Avoid concurrent use (increased side effects)

Absorption Interactions

While Xyzal can be taken with most medications:

• Space it 2-3 hours from antacids containing aluminum or magnesium if gastrointestinal side effects occur
• Can be taken without regard to meals
• Evening administration may help with nighttime symptoms and potential drowsiness

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

• Limited human data available
• Animal studies don't indicate direct harmful effects
• Use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
• Discuss with your doctor before starting treatment

Breastfeeding

• Levocetirizine is excreted in breast milk
• Decision to breastfeed should consider infant risk versus maternal benefit
• Alternative feeding methods may be considered during treatment
• Consult your doctor for personalised advice

Contraception Requirements

• No specific contraception requirements
• Discuss family planning with your doctor before starting treatment

Driving & Machine Operation

According to the official Xyzal PIL:

• Some patients may experience somnolence/drowsiness, tiredness and exhaustion
• Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you
• Special tests have revealed no impairment of mental alertness, ability to react or ability to drive in healthy test persons after taking levocetirizine in recommended dosage
• If you feel drowsy, do not drive or use dangerous machinery
• Consider taking Xyzal in the evening if daytime drowsiness occurs

Xyzal Ingredients

Active Substance

• Levocetirizine dihydrochloride 5 mg per tablet

Excipients

Allergen Warning

• Contains lactose (milk sugar)
• Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine
• Inform your doctor if you have lactose intolerance before taking Xyzal

How to Use Xyzal

Preparation Steps

1. Wash hands thoroughly before handling tablets
2. Remove tablet from blister pack
3. Place tablet in mouth
4. Swallow whole with water
5. Can be taken with or without food
6. Take at approximately the same time each day

Administration Technique

• Route: Oral only
• Tablet form: Do not crush, chew, or break
• Timing: Once daily, preferably at the same time
• Food: Can be taken without regard to meals
• Hydration: Swallow with a full glass of water

Post-Administration Protocol

1. Store remaining tablets in original packaging
2. Keep out of reach of children
3. Note any side effects experienced
4. Maintain regular dosing schedule

Xyzal Dosage Guidelines

Standard Dosing Schedule

*Note: Film-coated tablets are not suitable for children under 6 years; oral solution formulation would be required for accurate dosing in younger children.

Dose Adjustment Criteria

• Each renal impairment category requires specific dosing adjustment
• Maximum dose: 5 mg daily for normal renal function
• Do not increase dose beyond recommended amounts
• Consult doctor for personalised dosing in special populations

Administration Instructions

Step-by-step administration guide:

Optimal Administration Practices

1. Consistent timing: Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels
2. Evening administration: May help with nighttime symptoms and any potential drowsiness
3. Tablet integrity: Should be swallowed whole; do not crush or chew
4. Food interaction: Can be taken without regard to meals
5. Hydration: Maintain adequate hydration unless contraindicated

Administration Process

1. Check tablet is intact and not damaged
2. Place tablet on tongue
3. Take with at least 120ml (half glass) of water
4. Swallow immediately without chewing
5. Do not lie down immediately after taking

Special Administration Circumstances

• Difficulty swallowing: Consult doctor; tablet should not be crushed
• Missed dose: Take as soon as remembered unless close to next dose
• Double dose: Never take double dose to make up for missed dose

Missed Dose Management

General Principles

• Do NOT double doses
• Take next dose at regular scheduled time
• No need to make up for missed dose

Time-Based Guidance

Example Scenarios

• If you usually take at 8 PM and remember at 2 PM next day: Take it then resume normal schedule
• If you usually take at 8 PM and remember at 10 AM next day: Skip missed dose, take at 8 PM as usual
• If you miss a dose entirely: Take your next dose at the regular time

Overdose Information

Symptoms

• Adults: Primarily somnolence (drowsiness)
• Children: Initial excitation and restlessness, followed by somnolence
• Other possible symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue

Management

1. Seek immediate medical attention
2. Contact UK National Poisons Information Service: 0344 892 0111
3. Provide information about time and amount taken
4. Symptomatic and supportive treatment
5. Gastric lavage may be considered if performed soon after ingestion
6. No specific antidote exists
7. Levocetirizine is not significantly dialyzable

Emergency Contacts

• UK Poison Control: 0344 892 0111
• Emergency Services: 999 or 112
• Bring medication packaging to hospital

Possible Side Effects

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Somnolence/drowsiness

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Exhaustion
• Abdominal pain

Rare or Not Known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data)

• Palpitations, increased heart rate
• Fits (seizures)
• Pins and needles sensation, dizziness, syncope
• Tremor, dysgeusia (taste distortion)
• Sensation of rotation or movement
• Visual disturbances, blurred vision, oculogyration (uncontrolled eye movements)
• Painful or difficult urination, inability to completely empty bladder
• Oedema (swelling), pruritus (itchiness), rash, urticaria, skin eruption
• Shortness of breath, weight increase
• Muscular pain, joint pain
• Aggressive or agitated behaviour, hallucination, depression, insomnia
• Recurring thoughts of or preoccupation with suicide, nightmares
• Hepatitis, abnormal liver function
• Vomiting, increased appetite, nausea, diarrhoea
• Pruritus (intense itching) upon discontinuation

Serious Side Effects Requiring Immediate Action

How to Store Xyzal

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25°C
• Keep in original packaging to protect from moisture
• Keep out of sight and reach of children
• Do not use after expiry date printed on packaging
• This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions

Disposal

• Do not dispose of via wastewater or household waste
• Return unused medication to pharmacy for proper disposal
• Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use
• These measures help protect the environment

Expiry Information

• Check expiry date on label and carton after EXP
• Expiry date refers to the last day of that month
• Do not use after expiry date

Pack Information

Pack Sizes Available

• Blister packs of: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 2×10, 10×10, 14, 15, 20, 21, 28, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 90 and 100 tablets
• Not all pack sizes may be marketed
• Available through Chemist Doctor: 30, 60, and 90 tablet packs

Appearance

• White to off-white, oval film-coated tablets
• "Y" logo on one side
• Plain on other side

Marketing Authorisation Details

• Holder: UCB Pharma Ltd, 208 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire SL1 3WE
• PL Number: PL 00079/0509
• Legal Category: POM (Prescription Only Medicine)
• Authorised Names in EEA: Xyzal, Xyzall, Xusal, Xozal, Xazal (varies by country)

Where Can I Buy Xyzal Online in the UK