From the Guidelines
Xyzal (levocetirizine) and Coricidin can be taken together with caution, but it's crucial to check specific Coricidin formulations first to avoid potential antihistamine overlap and increased side effects. According to the guidelines for evaluation and management of urticaria in adults and children 1, antihistamines like levocetirizine are effective in treating urticaria, but their combination with other antihistamines like chlorpheniramine, often found in Coricidin products, may lead to increased drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, or urinary retention.
When considering the combination of Xyzal and Coricidin, it's essential to note that Coricidin products may contain various ingredients, including acetaminophen or dextromethorphan, which can interact with levocetirizine. The guidelines suggest that adjustments to the timing of medication can be helpful to ensure that the highest drug levels are obtained when urticaria is anticipated 1. However, the potential benefits of combining Xyzal and Coricidin must be weighed against the potential risks, particularly in elderly individuals or those with certain medical conditions like glaucoma, enlarged prostate, or liver disease.
Some key points to consider when taking Xyzal and Coricidin together include:
- Checking the specific Coricidin formulation to avoid antihistamine overlap
- Monitoring for increased side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, or urinary retention
- Considering alternative treatments, such as taking Xyzal with a non-antihistamine decongestant or pain reliever
- Consulting with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before combining these medications, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications.
It's also important to note that the guidelines recommend offering patients the choice of at least two nonsedating H1 antihistamines because responses and tolerance vary between individuals 1. Therefore, if you experience excessive drowsiness or other concerning side effects while taking Xyzal and Coricidin together, it's essential to seek medical advice promptly and consider alternative treatment options.
From the Research
Xyzal (Levocetirizine) Overview
- Xyzal (levocetirizine) is a selective, potent, oral histamine H(1) receptor antagonist used for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria 2, 3, 4, 5.
- It has a rapid onset and long duration of antihistaminic effect, with high bioavailability and a low potential for drug interactions 2, 5.
Efficacy of Xyzal
- Large, well-designed trials indicate that levocetirizine is effective and generally well tolerated in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria 2, 3, 6, 4.
- It has been shown to be more effective than other antihistamines, such as desloratadine and fexofenadine, in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria 2, 6.
Comparison with Coricidin
- There is no direct comparison between Xyzal (levocetirizine) and Coricidin in the provided studies.
- However, Coricidin is a combination medication that typically contains an antihistamine (such as chlorpheniramine) and a decongestant (such as pseudoephedrine) 3.
- Xyzal (levocetirizine) is a single-ingredient medication that is specifically designed to treat allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria, and may be a more targeted treatment option for these conditions 2, 3, 4, 5.
Safety and Tolerability
- Xyzal (levocetirizine) has been shown to be well tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse effects such as headache, pharyngitis, and somnolence 3, 4, 5.
- However, there is a concern about the possibility of febrile seizures in infants treated with levocetirizine, and it is not recommended for use in children under the age of 6 years 3.