Xyzal

What is Xyzal?

Xyzal is a brand of antihistamine from the Belgian pharmaceutical company UCB Pharma Ltd. There are two formulations of Xyzal available - tablets and an oral liquid.

If you experience seasonal allergies, or are often exposed to allergens, you can use Xyzal to keep your symptoms at bay.

You can get a private prescription for Xyzal online from Prescription Doctor, following a short medical questionnaire.

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What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is a condition which causes cold-like symptoms after being exposed to an allergen.

It occurs due to the bodies' overreaction to stimuli which would otherwise be harmless.

When an allergen, a substance which causes the reaction, is present in the body, the immune system interprets it as a threat. Cells release a chemical called histamine to fight the intruders.

These histamines are the cause of the symptoms you experience.

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:

• Congested sinuses
• Coughing
• Excessive fatigue
• Headaches
• Hives
• Irritated eyes
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Watery eyes

While these symptoms appear mild, they can have an impact on your concentration, hand-eye coordination, memory, sleep pattern and alertness, resulting in missing days of work or putting yourself at risk of injuries or even car accidents.

Treatment can be sought to bring your symptoms under control.

A common treatment for allergies is antihistamines. These medicines prevent the cells from secreting the chemical, which in turn mitigates the effect of the symptoms.

There are two types of allergic rhinitis; seasonal rhinitis and perennial rhinitis.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, afflicts people during spring, summer and early autumn. Symptoms are often triggered by airborne pollen from grass, trees and weeds.

Perennial allergic rhinitis can cause symptoms year-round and is often caused by animal dander (dead skin), feline saliva, dust mites, insects and mould spores.

It's not uncommon for people to experience both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. People who are sensitive to a number of triggers may find that their symptoms become worse during seasons when the pollen count is higher.

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How does Xyzal work?

Xyzal contains 5 mg of levocetirizine dihydrochloride - a non-sedating antihistamine.

Levocetirizine dihidrochloride blocks the cells' ability to produce histamines, which cause inflammation in the sinuses and other symptoms of allergies.

Over time, the bodies' response to the allergen lessens, resulting in fewer symptoms.

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How to take Xyzal?

Always take Xyzal as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take more or less than the recommended amount prescribed by your doctor.

To relieve the symptoms of allergies in adults, take one 50 mg tablet daily.

Xyzal can be taken with or without food.

If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember.

Do not take more Xyzal to make up for the missed dose.

If you take more Xyzal than you should, contact your doctor straight away.

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Xyzal side effects and cautions

Before you start taking Xyzal, it's important to read the accompanying patient information leaflet. The patient information leaflet contains important information regarding the safety of Xyzal, including how to use, store and dispose the medication.

You can read the patient information for Xyzal tablets online.

If you have any doubts or questions about any of the information you read inside the patient information leaflet, speak to your doctor or ask a pharmacist for advice.

All medications carry the risk of side effects, though not everyone gets them.

Common side effects of Xyzal include:

• Diarrhoea
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Mild sleepiness

Uncommon side effects of Xyzal include:

• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue

This is not a complete list of side effects associated with taking Xyzal. For more information regarding the safety of Xyzal, read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

If you experience any side effects to Xyzal - regardless of whether they are listed above or in the patient information leaflet - you should inform your doctor.

Always read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine for further information about the associated side effects.

How do I know if Xyzal is safe for me?

Xyzal may not be suitable for you.

Do not take Xyzal if you:

• Are allergic or intolerant to any of its ingredients.
• Have a rare blood disorder called porphyria
• Have an allergy to piperazine derivatives
• Have severe kidney failure

The ingredients of Xyzal can be found in the patient information leaflet.

Xyzal should be used with caution in people with:

• Enlarged prostate
• Epilepsy
• Kidney problems

If you are concerned about any of the side effects, or if you have any questions about the medicine you are taking, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Can I take Xyzal while pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you might be pregnant or planning to have a baby, speak to your doctor for advice to ensure that this medicine is safe for you to take.

Always store your medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Xyzal with other medicines?

Please inform our prescriber of all the medication you are or will be taking while using Xyzal. This includes over-the-counter medicines, prescribed medicines, vitamins and health supplements.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Xyzal?

You should drink alcohol with caution when taking Xyzal due to the increased risk of side effects.

Alcohol can increase your chances of blurred vision, nausea, sleepiness and vomiting. Speak to your doctor for more advice.

Can Xyzal make me drowsy?

Xyzal can make you drowsy. While taking Xyzal, you should avoid medicines which may increase your risk of drowsiness.

These include opioid pain relievers (such as codeine), alcohol, sleeping medication, muscle relaxants or other antihistamines.

If you feel sleepy while taking Xyzal, do not drive, ride a bike or operate machinery. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more advice

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Table of contents

What is Xyzal?

What is allergic rhinitis?

How does Xyzal work?

How to take Xyzal?

Xyzal side effects and cautions

Frequently asked questions