October 2026

What Is the Brand Name for Levocetirizine?

By Your Health Magazine Health Information Team

The main brand name for levocetirizine in the United States is Xyzal. Over-the-counter packages are commonly labeled Xyzal Allergy 24HR, while the children’s liquid is sold as Children’s Xyzal Allergy 24HR. Generic products usually display “levocetirizine dihydrochloride” or “allergy relief” prominently on the label.

Levocetirizine Brand and Generic Names

Levocetirizine is the generic drug name, and levocetirizine dihydrochloride is the full ingredient name shown on medication labels. Xyzal is the best-known brand name. As of October 2026, levocetirizine remains available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms in the United States.

Name on the package	What it is	Common formulation
Xyzal Allergy 24HR	Brand-name levocetirizine	Tablet containing levocetirizine dihydrochloride 5 mg
Children’s Xyzal Allergy 24HR	Brand-name levocetirizine liquid	Oral solution containing 2.5 mg per 5 mL
Levocetirizine dihydrochloride	Generic levocetirizine	Commonly sold as tablets; formulation and concentration should be checked

The current DailyMed label for Xyzal Allergy 24HR confirms that each branded tablet contains 5 mg of levocetirizine dihydrochloride. Product availability, package sizes, flavors and inactive ingredients can change, so check the Drug Facts panel rather than relying only on the front of the package.

Are Xyzal and Levocetirizine the Same Medicine?

Yes. Xyzal and generic levocetirizine contain the same active antihistamine ingredient when the formulation and strength match. Generic versions may have different colors, coatings, flavors, preservatives or other inactive ingredients.

When comparing products, verify these details:

Active ingredient: It should say levocetirizine dihydrochloride.
Strength or concentration: Compare milligrams per tablet or milligrams per milliliter.
Formulation: A tablet and a liquid are not measured in the same way.
Age directions: Follow the age-specific Drug Facts instructions and use the supplied measuring device for liquids.
Other ingredients: Check these if you have allergies or sensitivities.

A pharmacist can help confirm whether a generic product matches the Xyzal formulation you have previously used.

What Does Levocetirizine Treat?

Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that blocks the effects of histamine, a substance involved in allergic reactions. Over-the-counter Xyzal Allergy 24HR is labeled for temporary relief of allergy symptoms such as:

Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy nose or throat
Itchy, watery eyes

Prescription levocetirizine may also be used for certain types of hives. The MedlinePlus levocetirizine information page provides an overview of its uses, precautions and possible side effects. Consumers can also use the broader MedlinePlus drug information library to look up medications by their generic or brand names.

Do Not Confuse Xyzal With Zyrtec

Xyzal and Zyrtec are related antihistamines, but they are not the same product:

Xyzal contains levocetirizine.
Zyrtec contains cetirizine.

Do not take both simply because the brand names are different. Taking multiple antihistamines can increase side effects, including drowsiness. Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional before combining allergy medicines.

Important Levocetirizine Safety Information

Levocetirizine can cause sleepiness or tiredness, even though it is sometimes described as a less-sedating antihistamine. Until you know how it affects you, use caution when driving, operating equipment or doing anything that requires alertness. Alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness.

Consult a healthcare professional before using levocetirizine if you are 65 or older, pregnant, have difficulty emptying your bladder or take medicines that cause sedation. The over-the-counter label says people with kidney disease should not use the product. Breastfeeding is not recommended on the OTC label.

Tell your clinician or pharmacist about every prescription medicine, nonprescription drug, vitamin, nutritional supplement and herbal product you use. This includes products discussed in guides to lab-tested kratom brands. A product’s branding or laboratory testing does not rule out side effects or medication interactions.

A Newer Warning About Severe Itching

In May 2025, the FDA announced a warning about rare but severe itching that can develop within several days after stopping levocetirizine or cetirizine following regular use for several months or years. Anyone planning long-term use should discuss the benefits and risks with a healthcare professional. Contact a clinician if severe itching develops after the medicine is discontinued, and do not restart or change the medication without professional guidance. The FDA levocetirizine safety communication explains this risk in more detail.

When to Seek Care

Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing, severe swelling, collapse or other signs of a serious allergic reaction. Stop using the product and promptly contact a healthcare professional if you experience trouble urinating, a suspected medication reaction, extreme drowsiness or severe itching after discontinuing long-term use.

Talk with a pharmacist, primary care professional or allergist if symptoms continue despite label-directed use, frequently return, interfere with sleep or daily life, or are accompanied by wheezing, fever, facial pain or other symptoms that may have a cause besides routine allergies. This information is for general education and does not replace individualized medical advice.