Xyzal 5mg Tablets

What is Xyzal and what is it used for?

Xyzal is an antihistamine tablet used to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (allergy symptoms affecting the nose) and urticaria (nettle rash or hives). Each tablet contains 5mg of the antihistamine levocetirizine dihydrochloride, which reduces sneezing, congestion, runny nose, inflamed eyes and itchy skin.

Xyzal is manufactured by UCB Pharma and is available on prescription in 5 mg tablets in boxes containing 30 tablets. This medication is safe for both adults and children. Children over the age of 2 years can use Xyzal for allergic rhinitis; children who are over 6 months old can use Xyzal to treat hives.

What is allergic rhinitis?

Approximately 20% of people in The UK are affected by allergic rhinitis. The condition is brought on by a hypersensitive immune system - when certain allergens enter the nose, the immune system mistakenly targets them as if they were a viral or bacterial infection. This immune response triggers the production of extra mucus, which leads to congestion and sneezing.

It still isn't fully understood why certain people develop these allergies, though genetics are thought to play a part, as sometimes allergies run in families. In many cases, allergies only occur during the high pollen season (seasonal rhinitis or hay fever). However, for others, whose triggers include pet hair or dust mites, the symptoms can occur throughout the year.

How does Xyzal work?

One of the principal chemicals that the body releases in reaction to an allergen is histamine. This causes inflammation of the nasal passages. Xyzal tablets inhibit the body's production of histamine, providing relief from both allergic rhinitis and urticaria.

Alternatives to Xyzal

Xyzal can be taken alongside a nasal spray and eye drops to help relieve allergy symptoms. It cannot be used alongside other forms of medication containing antihistamines.

There are some non-medicinal methods to help combat hay fever symptoms. Some of these may include:

• Wear wrap-around sunglasses
• Keep windows closed when it is a day with a high pollen count.
• Try to have a shower after a day almost straight away. This will remove any trapped pollen grains from your hair and or skin.

There is an extremely large range of OTC (over the counter) products you can purchase in any pharmacy, these vary from tablets to nasal sprays and also eye drops. Alternative medication available from The Independent Pharmacy includes:

• Benacort Nasal Spray
• Perinase Nasal Spray
• Cetirizine Tablets
• Loratadine Tablets
• Opticrom Eye Drops

You should try these before moving on to a prescription-only medicine.

Sources

• Xyzal Tablets, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• NHS allergies information

Xyzal warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Do not use this medicine if any of the following apply to you:

• your kidney function is severely impaired.

Before using Xyzal, contact your GP if you:

• Have been diagnosed as intolerant to certain sugars – Xyzal contains lactose
• Have severe bladder problems
• Suffer from epilepsy or are at risk of convulsions

Xyzal and alcohol

Take care if consuming alcohol while using Xyzal – it may increase your susceptibility to side effects.

Xyzal and driving

Some people who take Xyzal may experience increased drowsiness, tiredness and exhaustion. You should use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Xyzal dosage

Adults, the elderly and children over the age of 6 years: Take 1 tablet per day, at a similar time each day. Swallow the tablet whole with a sip of water, either before or after a meal.

If your symptoms do not improve, contact your GP or pharmacist.

Xyzal ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Xyzal tablets is: 5mg of Levocetirizine dihydrochloride.

Xyzal tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, hypromellose (E464), titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol 400.

Xyzal side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take Xyzal. However, if you do, they can include:

• headache
• fatigue
• drowsiness
• dry mouth

For a full list of side effects please see the Patient Information Leaflet. If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.