Question 1

xyzal (levocetirizine) the same as zyrtec?

Accepted Answer

Close: Xyzal (levocetirizine) (levo-cetirizine) is the r-isomer, of zyrtec (cetirizine).  Medications are usually a combination of r + s (called racemic).  Typically only the r side contributes to the clinically meaningful action of the drug.  So, the companies have been able to separate the active r side from the inactive s- side.  This means it may be as or more effective at half the dose.

Question 2

what is the difference between zyrtec and xyzal (levocetirizine)?

Accepted Answer

Very similar: Zyrtec is the brand name for the molecule cetirizine, whereas xyzal is levocetirizine, the mirror image. Xyzal came to market when zyrtec was going generic and over-the-counter. There are subtle differences between the two, but they behave very similarly.

Question 3

is xyzal unlikely to work for someone for whom zyrtec does not work?

Accepted Answer

Maybe, maybe not.: Some feel it may work when Zyrtec does not. Try it and see.  Also, best to eliminate cause of allergies and overall allergy burden.  So get rid of fragrances, aerosols,  any type of smoke exposure (inc. candles), as well as avoid known triggers. See other nasal and respiratory tract irritants here, these apply to adults/kids: http://tinyurl.com/zwofpz7  and http://tinyurl.com/mgrrrsj

Question 4

is xyzal 100 times stronger than zyrtec? i tried zyrtec a few years ago and it had absolutely no effect on hives. xyzal now is super effective.

Accepted Answer

NO: I wouldn't say Xyzal is "100 times stronger" than zyrtec. Xyzal is derived from zyrtec. Different antihistamines have a different effect on patients. If you feel that xyzal (levocetirizine) works better than zyrtec (cetirizine), then stay on xyzal.

Question 5

is xyzal better then zyrtec my nurse practitioner says it works better bec xyzak was prescription but just now otc. i even took 2 zyrtec once and fail?

Accepted Answer

No good studies: It's possible there are fewer side effects with Xyzal, but it's unlikely to work better than Zyrtec (both work well). Xyzal is levocetirizine, the l-enantiomer of cetirizine - so in effect, almost the same drug as cetirizine (Zyrtec). No good studies have been done to compare them directly, but it's expected they work very much the same way.

Question 6

i usually take 2 xyzal/day but can't get it refilled anymore. also, my allergies have started breaking through on it. should i take two zyrtec (cetirizine)?

Accepted Answer

Dosing: Only take the recommended dose of medications until you discuss medications with your dr.  Best wishes.

Question 7

can i take zyrtec in the morning and xyzal at night? my allergies are really bad. yesterday i took a zyrtec in the morning and completely forgot that ive been taking xyzal at night. my allergies were so much better and i could breathe much easier?

Accepted Answer

:  I am not sure if you had a question. Sounds like you are better. Best of health.

Question 8

dermatologist wants me to take zyrtec 10 mg and xyzal 5 mg (both) daily for severe chronic hives. is this safe ? i have long qt syndrome. cardiologist isnt concerned but is there a risk ?

Accepted Answer

: All meds have risks and benefits. I would go to Drugs.com and look them all up and put into their interaction checker all other meds. Then discus risks and benefits with your Drs to decide what you want to do.

Question 9

vitc 2000mg.calcium 220 mg.oysco 1000/500d.biotin 6000mcg.vita10,000.plaqunil.zyrtec.singular.xyzal.gabapntin.safe?

Accepted Answer

Hard to say: You are on two medications (Plaquinil and Gabapentin) which can be associated with side effects and thus the question whether is safe or not depends on the perspective related to risk/benefit ratio. However there is no evidence that vit A or even vit C supplements are beneficial and thus I would consider stopping these two.

Question 10

can xyzal and zyrtec cause weight gain and /or constipation ? which is least likely ??

Accepted Answer

: Both have almost the same listed side effects.

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Doctor answers about:

Xyzal 5 mg vs zyrtec

A member asked:

Xyzal (levocetirizine) the same as zyrtec?

A member asked:

What is the difference between zyrtec and xyzal (levocetirizine)?

A member asked:

Is xyzal unlikely to work for someone for whom zyrtec does not work?

A member asked:

Is xyzal 100 times stronger than zyrtec? i tried zyrtec a few years ago and it had absolutely no effect on hives. xyzal now is super effective.

A member asked:

Is xyzal better then zyrtec my nurse practitioner says it works better bec xyzak was prescription but just now otc. i even took 2 zyrtec once and fail?

A member asked:

I usually take 2 xyzal/day but can't get it refilled anymore. also, my allergies have started breaking through on it. should i take two zyrtec (cetirizine)?

A member asked:

Can i take zyrtec in the morning and xyzal at night? my allergies are really bad. yesterday i took a zyrtec in the morning and completely forgot that ive been taking xyzal at night. my allergies were so much better and i could breathe much easier?

A member asked:

Dermatologist wants me to take zyrtec 10 mg and xyzal 5 mg (both) daily for severe chronic hives. is this safe ? i have long qt syndrome. cardiologist isnt concerned but is there a risk ?

A member asked:

Vitc 2000mg.calcium 220 mg.oysco 1000/500d.biotin 6000mcg.vita10,000.plaqunil.zyrtec.singular.xyzal.gabapntin.safe?

A member asked:

Can xyzal and zyrtec cause weight gain and /or constipation ? which is least likely ??

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