Curist delivers FDA-approved allergy medicines to your door at a fraction of the price of traditional brands. We hope everyone stays safe and healthy during this time.
Xyzal and Allegra: Allergy Treatment Options
Are you having trouble figuring out the differences between all the allergy medications? There are many options, so let’s start with taking a closer look at Xyzal (levocetirizine) and Allegra (fexofenadine). How do each of them work? When should you use Xyzal and when should you reach for Allegra? Let’s discuss the similarities and differences between these popular allergy products!
Xyzal (levocetirizine) and Allegra (fexofenadine) are both oral antihistamines used to prevent allergy symptoms. Both products are as effective as first generation antihistamines such as Benadryl, with less drowsiness. When your body encounters allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, or ragweed, these products block the release of histamines, which can help reduce symptoms such as skin rashes, sneezing, itchy nose, or running nose.
What is Allegra (Fexofenadine)?
Allegra (active ingredient fexofenadine) is a long-lasting, fast-acting second generation oral antihistamine that can help with allergy symptoms such as itchiness, watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and skin hives. This medication is available as a 12-hour tablet, 24-hour tablet, dissolvable tablet, and oral suspension. For children under 12 years old, follow the instructions on the package insert for the dissolvable tablet and oral suspension. Typically, the dosing for the tablets is as follows:
For Children and Adults Over 12 Years Old
- The 12-hour tablet (60 mg) can be taken up to two times a day with water
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The 24-hour tablet (180 mg) can only be taken once a day with water
What is Xyzal (Levocetirizine)?
Xyzal (active ingredient levocetirizine) is often called a “non-drowsy” third generation oral antihistamine, although it is best to see how your body responds to the medication. In general, people feel less drowsy using Xyzal than using other antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine). The best part about Xyzal is that it usually works within one hour of taking it and helps prevent allergy symptoms for 24 hours.
What is the Difference Between Xyzal and Allegra? (Levocetirizine vs Fexofenadine)
Levocetirizine (brand Xyzal, brand Curist) can provide fast allergy relief from pollen and hay fever over the course of 24 hours, reducing symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, throat, or eyes. It is available as an oral tablet and oral solution. It can be used in adults and children over 2 years old.
Fexofenadine (brand Allegra) is another kind of antihistamine that can be used to relieve skin hives and rashes from hay fever and other allergens. It is available as a suspension, tablet, or disintegrating tablet in adults and children older than 2 years old.
Both Xyzal and Allegra may cause sleepiness or drowsiness, so avoid operating heavy machinery or cars the first couple times you take the medication until you know how it affects you. It is important to note that any oral antihistamines can cause dryness, especially in the elderly, which is when you could try an allergy nasal spray, like fluticasone instead. If you are elderly and have kidney problems, your doctor may need to adjust the dose of fexofenadine before you start using it.
Which Works Better for Hives: Xyzal or Allegra?
Both Xyzal (levocetirizine) and Allegra (fexofenadine) can help prevent or reduce allergy symptoms like watery eyes, itchy throat, or sneezing from respiratory allergens and hay fever. So, it will depend on how your body responds in order to find the best oral antihistamine for you.
If you can, take the medication daily for 1-2 weeks ahead of when your symptoms usually begin to prevent hives and skin rashes. Xyzal is usually taken at night, starts working within an hour, and lasts for 24 hours. Allegra also has a 24-hour tablet available, so you can take it once daily as well. It will take time to find the best antihistamine for you, but if you need any assistance, consult with your local pharmacist or doctor.
What Should I Know About Taking Xyzal or Allegra?
It is best to take either of these medications with water. Taking oral antihistamines with fruit juices may affect the way your body absorbs this medication, making it less effective.
If you are also using antacids with magnesium hydroxide or aluminum (for example Maalox), wait 2 hours before you take an oral antihistamine. Otherwise, try using calcium-containing antacids (Tums) for indigestion and heartburn, as these do not interact with fexofenadine. If you are concerned Xyzal or Allegra may interact with any of your medications, contact your doctor or pharmacist beforehand.
If you are using the fexofenadine oral suspension, make sure to shake the liquid well before using the measuring device to carefully pour out the amount recommended on the package information. Make sure to store your medications at room temperature, away from the sun, heat, and moisture. Notably, if you are using the quick dissolving, disintegrating tablet, take it on an empty stomach. If your symptoms do not improve with time or get worse, talk to a healthcare professional immediately.
Can I Take Xyzal and Allegra Together at the Same Time?
Xyzal and Allegra should not be taken together as this can increase your risk of side effects like constipation, dry eyes or mouth, blurred vision, or drowsiness. If taking one antihistamine is not providing adequate relief for you, switch to a different medication or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Where Can I Buy Xyzal and Allegra Online?
Local pharmacies and stores online typically sell the brands Xyzal and Allegra, or may sell the same medicines under a different brand.
At Curist, we develop FDA-approved equivalents to big brands in order to provide the same medicine relief but at a fraction of the price of the brands. Curist products are sold online and shipped directly to your door, and we carry levocetirizine (compare to Xyzal) and fexofenadine for allergies (compare to Allegra Allergy), and fexofenadine for hives (compare to Allegra Hives) at a fraction of the price of the big brands.
