New OTC antihistamine is now available -Xyzal (levocetirizine).  Until now, it has only been available with a prescription.  Xyzal is a “second generation” antihistamine like Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine).

Xyzal (levocetirizine) is the “levo” version of Zyrtec (cetirizine) -just another form of the drug that hasn’t been proven to work better or be better tolerated.

Some ads have been saying that Xyzal (and Zyrtec) are better to use for allergies because they start working faster (in ~ 1 hour) vs Allegra and Claritin.  This is true, Allegra and Claritin take 2-3 hours to kick in.  However, when taking these medications daily , it really makes no difference.  This is because the medication builds up in your system and last 24 hours.  So, if you continue to take them daily you don’t have to wait for them to kick in.

Want to see the best medications to help treat cold and allergy symptoms?  See our articles:  How to Treat Runny Nose, Watery Eyes, Sneezing and Cough and  an Overview of Cold and Allergy OTC Mediciation.  Do your kids with a cold or allergies?  We have 3 articles for that —Kids with Colds or Allergies -1  and Kids with Colds or Allergies -2 and Kids with Colds or Allergies -3!!  And does your doggie have allergies too?