Xyzal 10 Mg Tablet

XYZAL 10 MG Tablet

Name:

• Brand Name: XYZAL 10 MG Tablet
• Common Name: Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride
• Manufacturer: DR REDDY S LABORATORIES LTD

Composition: Each tablet contains Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride 10 mg, which is an antihistamine.

Uses: XYZAL 10 MG Tablet is primarily used to relieve symptoms associated with various allergic conditions. These include:

• Allergic Rhinitis: Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and perennial allergic rhinitis, characterized by symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy nose, and watery or itchy eyes.
• Urticaria: Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives), providing relief from severe itching, rash, swelling, and raised red patches on the skin.
• Other Allergic Reactions: It also helps manage symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, some skin reactions like eczema, and reactions to insect bites and stings. The medication works by blocking the action of histamine, a natural substance in the body that triggers allergic reactions.

Dosage and Administration: XYZAL 10 MG Tablet should be taken orally, with or without food, as advised by your doctor. It is preferably taken in the evening. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not chewed, crushed, or broken. The dose and duration of treatment depend on the specific condition and individual response. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

• Drowsiness, sleepiness, or fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Sore throat, cough, or nasopharyngitis
• Fever (more common in children)
• Nosebleeds (more common in children 6-12 years)
• Diarrhea or vomiting (more common in children 1-5 years)

Serious but rare side effects can include:

• Urinary retention (difficulty in emptying the bladder)
• Increased dizziness or difficulty concentrating
• Seizures, especially in individuals at risk
• Severe itching upon discontinuation, particularly after long-term use
• Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness, or breathing difficulties.

Precautions:

• Alcohol and CNS Depressants: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption and concomitant use of other central nervous system depressants, as it may increase drowsiness and impair thinking.
• Driving and Machinery: Due to the potential for drowsiness and dizziness, caution is advised when driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Kidney Impairment: Not recommended for patients with severe kidney disease (creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min) or those undergoing hemodialysis. Use with caution and dose adjustment in patients with other degrees of kidney impairment.
• Urinary Retention: Use with caution in patients with predisposing factors for urinary retention, such as an enlarged prostate or bladder obstruction. Discontinue if urinary retention occurs.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding. The medicine may pass into breast milk, potentially causing drowsiness in the infant or reducing milk supply.
• Children: Not recommended for infants younger than 6 years of age. Specific dosages apply for children 6-11 years, usually 2.5 mg.
• Allergy Tests: May interfere with skin allergy tests; it is advisable to stop taking the medication at least 72 hours (3 days) before such tests.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all current medications, including herbal supplements, to avoid potential interactions (e.g., with theophylline or ritonavir).
• Hypersensitivity: Contraindicated in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to levocetirizine, cetirizine, or any of the tablet's ingredients.

Storage: Store XYZAL 10 MG Tablet at room temperature, between 20ºC to 25ºC (68ºF to 77ºF), away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets.

Here are frequently asked questions about XYZAL 10 MG TABLET:

What is XYZAL 10 MG Tablet used for?

XYZAL 10 MG Tablet, containing levocetirizine, is an antihistamine primarily used to relieve various allergy symptoms. These include sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as hay fever (seasonal allergies), allergic rhinitis (year-round allergies), conjunctivitis (itchy eyes), eczema, hives (urticaria), and reactions to insect bites or stings.

How does XYZAL 10 MG Tablet work?

XYZAL works by blocking the action of histamine, a natural chemical produced by your body during an allergic reaction. By inhibiting histamine from binding to its receptors (specifically H1-receptors), it helps reduce symptoms like itching, swelling, redness, sneezing, and a runny nose.

What is the usual dosage of XYZAL 10 MG Tablet?

For adults and children 12 years of age and older, the recommended dose is 5 mg (one tablet) once daily in the evening. Some individuals with less severe symptoms may find 2.5 mg sufficient. It can be taken with or without food. It is generally recommended to take it in the evening as it can cause drowsiness in some people.

What are the possible side effects of XYZAL 10 MG Tablet?

Common side effects can include drowsiness, tiredness, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, sore throat, cough, nosebleeds, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. These are usually mild and may resolve as your body adjusts. More serious, but less common, side effects can include painful or difficult urination, agitation, restlessness, seizures, hallucinations, or a fast heart rate. Rarely, some individuals may experience severe itching upon stopping the medication after long-term daily use.

Is XYZAL 10 MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During Pregnancy: XYZAL (levocetirizine) is classified as Pregnancy Category B. While animal studies have not shown harm to an unborn baby, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, it should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and after consulting with your doctor.

During Breastfeeding: Levocetirizine passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding while taking this medicine is generally not recommended, or caution is advised. Larger doses or prolonged use may cause drowsiness or lethargy in the infant and could potentially reduce milk supply. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Can XYZAL 10 MG Tablet be taken with other medications?

XYZAL can interact with certain medications and substances. It should be used with caution or avoided with alcohol and other medicines that can cause drowsiness, such as sedatives, narcotics, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or medications for seizures, depression, or anxiety. It may also interact with ritonavir (used for HIV) and theophylline (used for asthma/COPD). Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions. Additionally, XYZAL may interfere with skin allergy tests; your doctor may recommend stopping it about 72 hours before such tests.

What precautions should be taken while taking XYZAL 10 MG Tablet?

Due to the potential for drowsiness, it is advisable to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how XYZAL affects you. Alcohol should be avoided as it can increase drowsiness. Exercise caution if you have kidney or liver disease, problems with urinary retention (e.g., enlarged prostate or bladder obstruction), or epilepsy/seizures, as your doctor may need to adjust the dose or advise against its use. It is crucial not to exceed the prescribed dose, especially in children, as taking more will not make it more effective and can lead to severe drowsiness.

What happens if a dose of XYZAL 10 MG Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose or extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How should XYZAL 10 MG Tablet be stored?

Store XYZAL 10 MG Tablet at room temperature, away from excessive moisture and heat. Keep it in a cool, dry place and out of the sight and reach of children.