Allegra vs. Xyzal
See how Allegra and Xyzal compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Allegra (fexofenadine) and Xyzal (levocetirizine) are both marketed as non-drowsy, but Xyzal carries a stronger sedation warning on its label.
Allegra treats seasonal allergies and chronic hives, while Xyzal also covers perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis.
Xyzal is taken once daily at every approved strength, while Allegra's higher-strength regimen requires twice-daily dosing.
Allegra vs. Xyzal Drug Summary
Allegra
Allegra (fexofenadine) is a second-generation H1 antihistamine used to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms and chronic hives. It comes as a tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet, and a liquid suspension, with dosing based on age and kidney function. It is taken once or twice daily depending on the strength used.
Xyzal
Xyzal (levocetirizine) is an H1-antihistamine used for seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms as well as chronic hives. It comes as a tablet or oral solution and is taken once daily, with dosing based on age and kidney function. Xyzal's label carries a stronger drowsiness warning than many other second-generation antihistamines.
Allegra vs. Xyzal Side Effects
Allegra
Xyzal
Allegra vs. Xyzal Dosage
Allegra
Xyzal
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 30 mg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 60 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1.25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Allegra
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 30 mg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 60 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Xyzal
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1.25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Allegra vs. Xyzal Indications
Allegra
Allegra is FDA-approved to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. It is also approved to treat the itching and hives of chronic idiopathic urticaria. Dosing is adjusted by age and kidney function.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis symptom relief
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) treatment
Available as tablet, ODT, or oral suspension
Dosing adjusted for renal impairment
Xyzal
Xyzal is FDA-approved to relieve symptoms of both seasonal and perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis. It is also approved to treat the itching associated with chronic idiopathic urticaria. Dosing is adjusted by age and kidney function.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis symptom relief
Perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis relief
Chronic idiopathic urticaria itching treatment
Available as tablet or oral solution
Allegra vs. Xyzal Pros and Cons
Allegra
Allegra is a well-established, non-sedating antihistamine available in several forms, including a chewable-style tablet and a liquid for children. Its main tradeoff is dosing frequency, since the higher-strength regimen calls for twice-daily use rather than a single daily dose.
Pros
Considered non-sedating with low risk of drowsiness
Available in tablet, ODT, and liquid suspension forms
Minimal liver metabolism, simpler with other medications
Cons
Higher-strength regimen requires twice-daily dosing
Not FDA-approved for perennial (year-round) allergies
ODT form contains phenylalanine, a concern for PKU
Xyzal
Xyzal offers once-daily dosing at every approved strength and covers both seasonal and year-round allergies. Its main tradeoff is a higher chance of drowsiness, along with label warnings about driving and mixing it with alcohol or other sedating medications.
Pros
Once-daily dosing at every approved strength
Also approved for perennial (year-round) allergies
Long-acting active metabolite of cetirizine
Cons
More likely to cause sedation and fatigue than fexofenadine
Contraindicated in severe kidney disease and dialysis
Label warns against driving and mixing with alcohol or CNS depressants
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