Is It Safe To Take Xyzal Long-Term?

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Xyzal (levocetirizine) is safe to use long-term.

Is It Safe To Take Xyzal Long-Term?
May 20, 2019

Chuck asked

My 13-year-old takes prescription levocetirizine dihydrochloride oral solution (2.5mg/5ml) each day for severe allergies during April and May. They take 10 milliliters once a day. This liquid medication works well. Is it safe for a 13-year-old to be taking this medicine every day for up to 10 to 12 weeks during the height of allergy season in Spring?

At a glance

  • The side effects of Xyzal are similar for both short-term and long-term use (clinical trials up to 6 months in length have been completed). They are generally mild, with the most commonly reported being fatigue and somnolence (sleepiness).

Answer

Xyzal Box With Text - Long Term Use Safe?

Yes, the long-term use of Xyzal (levocetirizine), a 'third-generation" antihistamine, is considered to be safe for most people.

In fact, the side effect profile for Xyzal with long-term use is very similar to its side effect profile with short-term use. The prescribing information for the drug states this explicitly:[1]

References
  1. ^ Xyzal Prescribing Information. ClinicalKey
  2. ^ Pharmacology of Antihistamines. PubMed
  3. ^ Cardiovascular safety of antihistamines. PubMed
  4. ^ Association of prescription H1 antihistamine use with obesity: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. PubMed
  5. ^ Paradoxical excitation on diphenhydramine may be associated with being a CYP2D6 ultrarapid metabolizer: three case reports. Natural Standard

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