Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Measure the oral solution with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

Swallow the tablet whole. If you need a lower dose, your doctor may tell you to break the tablet in half.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For hay fever:
    • For oral dosage form (Children's Xyzal® Allergy 24HR solution):
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—5 or 10 milliliters (mL) once a day taken in the evening. Do not take more than 10 mL in 24 hours.
      • Children 6 to 11 years of age—5 mL once a day taken in the evening. Do not take more than 5 mL in 24 hours.
      • Children 2 to 5 years of age—2.5 mL once a day taken in the evening. Do not take more than 2.5 mL in 24 hours.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (levocetirizine dihydrochloride solution):
      • Adults and children older than 2 years of age—5 milligrams (mg) or 10 milliliters (mL) (1 teaspoon) once a day taken in the evening.
      • Children 6 months to 2 years of age—At first, 1.25 mg or 2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) once a day taken in the evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children younger than 6 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—5 milligrams (mg) (1 tablet) once a day taken in the evening. Some patients may be given 2.5 mg (1/2 tablet) once a day taken in the evening. Do not take more than 5 mg per day.
      • Children 6 to 11 years of age—2.5 mg (1/2 tablet) once a day taken in the evening. Do not take more than 2.5 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For hives:
    • For oral dosage form (levocetirizine dihydrochloride solution):
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—5 milligrams (mg) or 10 milliliters (mL) (2 teaspoons) once a day taken in the evening. Some patients may be given 2.5 mg or 5 mL (1 teaspoon) once a day taken in the evening.
      • Children 6 to 11 years of age—2.5 mg or 5 mL (1 teaspoon) once a day taken in the evening. Do not take more than 2.5 mg per day.
      • Children 6 months to 5 years of age—At first, 1.25 mg or 2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) once a day taken in the evening. Do not take more than 1.25 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 6 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—5 milligrams (mg) (1 tablet) once a day taken in the evening. Some patients may be given 2.5 mg (1/2 tablet) once a day taken in the evening. Do not take more than 5 mg per day.
      • Children 6 to 11 years of age—2.5 mg (1/2 tablet) once a day taken in the evening. Do not take more than 2.5 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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