Are Zyrtec and Xyzal the same thing?

Understanding Zyrtec and Xyzal: Are They the Same?
When it comes to managing allergy symptoms, many people turn to over-the-counter medications like Zyrtec and Xyzal. While these two antihistamines share a common purpose—relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes—they are not identical.
Chemical Composition and Mechanism
Zyrtec, known generically as cetirizine, and Xyzal, or levocetirizine, are both classified as second-generation antihistamines. This classification means they are designed to minimize sedation compared to first-generation antihistamines. However, the key difference lies in their chemical structure. Levocetirizine is actually a derivative of cetirizine, meaning it is a more refined version that is thought to provide similar efficacy with potentially fewer side effects.
Effectiveness and Usage
Both medications are effective in treating seasonal and perennial allergies, and they generally have similar onset times and effectiveness levels. However, some studies suggest that Xyzal may cause less drowsiness than Zyrtec, making it a preferable option for individuals who are sensitive to sedation. This slight difference in side effects can be significant for those who need to maintain alertness throughout the day.
Side Effects and Considerations
While both medications are well-tolerated, they do have distinct side effect profiles. Zyrtec is more commonly associated with drowsiness, which can be a drawback for some users. On the other hand, Xyzal, being a more selective antihistamine, may lead to fewer instances of sedation. Patients should consider their personal tolerance to these side effects when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
In summary, while Zyrtec and Xyzal are not the same, they are closely related medications that serve a similar purpose in allergy relief. The choice between them may ultimately depend on individual responses to the medications, particularly regarding side effects like drowsiness. For those seeking effective allergy management with minimal sedation, Xyzal might be the better option, whereas Zyrtec remains a widely used and effective alternative.

Who should not take Xyzal?

You should not use Xyzal if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine (Zyrtec). You should not take Xyzal if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. Any child younger than 12 years old with kidney disease should not take levocetirizine.

Is it bad to take Xyzal every day?

Key takeaways: Xyzal (levocetirizine) is a once-daily over-the-counter (OTC) medication that can help treat seasonal allergies. It’s safe for most adults and children ages 2 years and older to take. The typical adult Xyzal dosage is 5 mg by mouth once a day.

Is Xyzal being taken off the market?

Prescription Xyzal is now discontinued by the manufacturer, but the generic prescription levocetirizine is still available on the U.S. market. Insurance in the U.S. does not typically pay for OTC products, but may pay for prescription drugs, with generic options preferred.

What happens if you take Xyzal everyday?

Is Xyzal® safe to use every day? Yes. Xyzal® is safe to use every day in the evening. Use only as directed and please read the product label for complete dosing instructions and warnings.

Why do you have to take Xyzal in the evening?

It’s recommended to take Xyzal once daily in the evening. This is because it can cause drowsiness for some people. While it’s less likely to cause drowsiness than older antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), it’s still possible. Taking Xyzal in the evening helps limit daytime drowsiness.

What is the newest antihistamine?

What is the newest antihistamine? As of today, the newest antihistamine on the market is Bilastine.

Which antihistamine causes the least weight gain?

We also don’t know for sure which antihistamines are least likely to cause weight gain. Second-generation antihistamines, like loratadine, may be less likely to keep you on the couch. But that doesn’t mean they won’t stimulate your appetite. That said, short-term antihistamine use likely won’t be an issue.

What is the strongest antihistamine?

Cetirizine is the most potent of the antihistamines having the strongest binding to histamine receptors but can have a mild sedative effect in some individuals, so it’d be best to take at nighttime. That said, cetirizine may not have the strongest effect in everyone’s body.

Does Xyzal make you gain weight?

Why do antihistamines cause weight gain? Histamine decreases our hunger by, in part, affecting the appetite control center in our brains[2], and it makes sense an antihistamine would have the opposite effect. These drugs can interfere with the “I’m full” signal coming from the rest of our bodies and lead to overeating.

What works better, Xyzal or Zyrtec?

Takeaway. Both Xyzal and Zyrtec are effective over-the-counter allergy relief drugs with a very similar chemical makeup. Both are likely to make you less drowsy than alternatives such as Benadryl. Ask your doctor for a recommendation about which one might best address your allergy symptoms.