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Key takeaways
Generic Xyzal has been available in the United States since 2011 and can be obtained over the counter.
The FDA determined that generic and brand-name Xyzal contain the same active ingredient and have the same benefits.
Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra are alternatives to Xyzal, and they have generic versions available.
Xyzal is an antihistamine that is available both by prescription and over the counter. It is used to relieve seasonal allergies (hay fever), including allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and itchy nose and throat. This over-the-counter drug is typically used in adults and children ages two years and older (depending on the formulation—the liquid can be used in children two years and older, while the tablets should only be used in children six years and older). Prescription-strength Xyzal is used for allergies and hives in adults and children.
Also referred to as a nighttime allergy medicine, this tiny pill works by blocking the action of histamine to relieve symptoms of hay fever, allowing you to have a more productive day. It is a long-acting medication, with its effects lasting up to 24 hours.
Is there a generic for Xyzal?
Generic Xyzal, known as levocetirizine dihydrochloride, has been available in the United States since 2011, when it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is also available over the counter.
What are the differences between brand-name and generic Xyzal?
“The differences between generic and brand-name Xyzal are minimal. Both medications contain the same active ingredient, which is levocetirizine,” says Maaz Jalil, DO, board-certified pediatric and adult allergist and immunologist, with ENT and Allergy Associates, Medford, NJ.
“The general difference is the inactive ingredients and the binders or fillers, these ingredients usually do not affect how well the medication works, although anecdotally very few of my patients will note that one works better than the other,” Dr. Jalil says.
There are no studies demonstrating differences in the efficacy of generic Xyzal compared to the brand-name version, but this is typical for generics. For a generic drug to be approved, the manufacturer does not need to prove that the drug is effective (the brand-name manufacturer has already done this type of testing)—just that it works the same way and reaches the same levels in the blood as the brand-name drug. In the initial approval letter, the FDA noted that generic and brand-name versions of Xyzal contain the same active ingredients and are equally effective for treating allergies. In terms of form, Xyzal brand-name and generic are available as 2.5 mg/5 ml oral solution and 5 mg oral tablets.
However, generic products are often 80% lower in price compared to brand-name drugs, yet they are just as effective, making them an affordable option for most people.
| Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) | |
| Uses |
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| Standard dosage | If your doctor has prescribed the Rx version of Xyzal, follow directions on the label.
OTC Xyzal 2.5 mg/5 ml liquid (for children 2 years and older):
OTC Xyzal 5 mg tablets (for adults and children 6 years and older):
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| Common side effects |
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| Contraindications |
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| Other considerations |
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Source: FDA.gov
How much is generic Xyzal?
Occasionally, a generic drug may cost more than its brand-name equivalent. For instance, the retail price of the prescription version of generic Xyzal (levocetirizine) is $88 for 30, 5 mg tablets, which is more expensive than the brand-name over-the-counter Xyzal (in the same 5 mg dose), with an average retail price of $25 per 1, 35-tablet bottle of Xyzal Allergy 24hr.
However, you can reduce the cost by using the SingleCare discount card or coupons at your preferred pharmacy. This allows you to get generic Xyzal at a significantly lower price, as low as $7 for 30, 5 mg tablets of generic Xyzal Allergy 24hr.
The table below summarizes the cost of generic and brand-name Xyzal.
Brand vs. generic Xyzal prices |
||
|---|---|---|
| Brand-name Xyzal | Xyzal generic (levocetirizine) | |
| Average cost without insurance | $25 per 1, 35 tablets of Xyzal Allergy 24hr | $88 for 30, 5 mg tablets of levocetirizine dihydrochloride |
| SingleCare’s lowest price | —- | $7 for 30, 5 mg tablets of generic Xyzal Allergy 24hr with a SingleCare discount card |
| Free coupons | Xyzal coupons | Levocetirizine coupons |
Is Xyzal covered by insurance?
Over-the-counter medications, such as Xyzal, are not always covered by insurance. However, this varies depending on your plan. Contact your insurance provider for details about your coverage. If your insurance does not cover Xyzal, use the SingleCare discount card to purchase your medication at a very low price.
Generic alternatives to Xyzal
While Xyzal is an effective allergy medication, consider other options if you’re experiencing side effects or if it is not working as well for you. Generic alternatives to Xyzal include second and third-generation antihistamines, which are preferred over first-generation options due to their lower sedation and long-lasting effects.
Generic alternatives to Xyzal include:
Xyzal may also be used off-label for other purposes. “I use Xyzal off-label in the treatment of itching from rashes due to conditions like eczema or contact with poison ivy,” says Cynthia Odogwu, MD, family and lifestyle medicine physician in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
“In very specific cases, I use Xyzal to help my patients with eczema, chronic cough, and allergic asthma. These would be considered off-label; however, these diagnoses are pathogenically related to the approved indications of Xyzal, ” Dr. Jalil says.
It is not advised to use a drug off-label without discussing with your healthcare provider. Consult them if you decide to use Xyzal for other conditions; they will advise you on what’s best for you, considering the benefits versus risk, and your medical history.
- Perrigo and Synthon announce approval and launch of generic Xyzal, U.S. Pharmacist (2011)
- Levocetirizine dihydrochloride tablets approval letter, FDA (2010)
- Xyzal prescribing Information, FDA (2019)
- FDA requires warning about rare but severe itching after stopping long-term use of oral allergy medicines cetirizine or levocetirizine, FDA (2025)
- Maaz Jalil, DO, board-certified pediatric and adult allergist and immunologist, with ENT and Allergy Associates, Medford, NJ.
- Cynthia Odogwu, MD, family and lifestyle medicine physician in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.