Xyzal vs. Zyrtec: Side Effects, Differences & More - GoodRx (2024)

If you’ve had allergy problems recently, you may want to rethink your current allergy medication. The sheer number of allergy relief commercials that crop up during high-pollen months can make you feel like you need to switch. Among the brands frequently advertised are household names like Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine), and Zyrtec (cetirizine). But there’s also a lesser-known contender — Xyzal (levocetirizine).

The FDA first approved Xyzal in 1995. It was only available with a prescription until February 2017. This was when drugstores started stocking it over-the-counter (OTC) under the name Xyzal Allergy 24HR. In this article, we’ll review how Xyzal stacks up against Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra for allergies.

Xyzal vs. Zyrtec

Xyzal and Zyrtec are remarkably like each other. Just take a look at their generic names, levocetirizine and cetirizine. Imagine two bananas joined together at the stem. The left banana is Xyzal (levocetirizine) and the right banana is dextrocetirizine. Together, the two bananas represent Zyrtec (cetirizine).

Levocetirizine is the active component in the medication and cetirizine contains levocetirizine (along with the inactive dextrocetirizine). This means that Xyzal (left banana) and Zyrtec (both bananas) are essentially the same drug and should work the same. In one of Xyzal Allergy 24 HR's commercials, they say that the 5 mg Xyzal is “just as effective as [10 mg] Zyrtec at only half the size,” because it’s only one banana versus Zyrtec’s two bananas.

Is there a generic version of Xyzal?

OTC Xyzal Allergy 24HR is the same strength as the prescription product. Both come as tablets with 5 mg of levocetirizine each. The “24 hour relief” part of Xyzal Allergy 24HR applies to the prescription product, as well. The recommended dosage for adults and children ages 12 and up is one 5 mg tablet per day.

Generic levocetirizine is also available OTC (typically sold as store-brand). Sometimes, though, the pharmacy may carry a generic Xyzal version allergy medication behind the counter. This version may be cheaper if you use a GoodRx coupon. All you need to do is get a prescription from your healthcare provider first. And then you can bring that, along with a GoodRx coupon, straight to the pharmacist.

Second-generation antihistamines (like Zyrtec and Claritin) and third-generation antihistamines (like Xyzal and Allegra) are thought to be mostly interchangeable.

You may experience each medication’s effectiveness and side effects differently. So, if one isn’t working for you, you can try another one.

Xyzal vs. Zyrtec side effects

Since Xyzal and Zyrtec are very similar medications, they have very similar side effects. A potential side effect of Xyzal and Zyrtec is drowsiness. But both are considered non-drowsy antihistamines. If you feel sleepy or tired while taking one of them, you can switch to the other to see if the side effect goes away. This is the same for all other OTC non-drowsy antihistamines.

Just like with Xyzal, you can use a GoodRx coupon to save on Zyrtec if you get a prescription for the generic version.

Is Xyzal more effective than Zyrtec?

As mentioned above, Xyzal and Zyrtec are nearly the same medication. So, it is often thought that these medications have the same effects and risks.

A study compared levocetirizine (Xyzal) to cetirizine (Zyrtec) in children with seasonal allergies. Both medications were more effective than placebo (dummy pill) at improving symptoms. But cetirizine appeared to work better than levocetirizine.

Xyzal vs. Claritin (loratadine)

Claritin and Xyzal are thought to be nearly interchangeable. This means their effects, side effects, and safety are about the same.

But, one study did a direct comparison of Xyzal and Claritin. Researchers found that Xyzal was more effective than Claritin at improving allergy symptoms. So, Xyzal may be better than Claritin at treating allergy symptoms.

Both Xyzal and Claritin are taken orally once a day. And their effects last for about 24 hours.

Xyzal vs. Allegra (fexofenadine)

Like “newer generation” antihistamines, Xyzal and Allegra are considered to be quite similar. Side effects, effects, and safety information are about the same between them. However, Allegra can interact with fruit juice. This can affect how well your body absorbs the medication.

One study did find a difference between Xyzal and Allegra. The duration of Xyzal to treat allergy symptoms lasted up to 28 hours. It started working better than Allegra at about 22 hours after the dose. This is because Xyzal is longer acting. You may find that Xyzal could work for a longer time than Allegra, after a dose.

Xyzal vs. Benadryl (first-generation antihistamines)

First-generation antihistamines have been around for over 70 years. Medications like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) do reach the brain. And they commonly cause drowsiness and fatigue. Because of this, these medications are often used as sleeping aids.

The effects of these medications wear off in 4 to 6 hours. But some people should not use first-generation antihistamines without speaking to their healthcare provider first. These include people over age 65, breastfeeding women, and children under the age of 6.