Greg Panico, a spokesman for Janssen Pharmaceutica, which is owned by Johnson and Johnson, said that the withdrawal was a voluntary business decision. “The decision to voluntarily discontinue it recognises that the allergy marketplace is crowded with a number of other drugs,” Mr Panico said.

Xyzal starts working in one hour so you start feeling better faster. And it keeps working for 24 hours. That's right –– Xyzal is as effective at hour 24 as it is at hour 1. Take Xyzal once at night for continuous allergy symptom relief.

Yes. Xyzal® is safe to use every day in the evening. Use only as directed and please read the product label for complete dosing instructions and warnings.

Our Verdict. Xyzal is an antihistamine used to relieve a variety of indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms, as well as hives. A 24-hour over-the-counter allergy medication, Xyzal is safe and effective at the recommended daily dose, but it may cause drowsiness, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Xyzal is slightly less drowsy, so if drowsiness is an issue with your allergy medicine, Xyzal is better than Zyrtec.

For mild to moderate allergy symptoms, Allegra or Claritin are preferred because they are non sedating and do not make you feel sleepy. For more severe symptoms that can interfere with work, school or daily activities, Xyzal or Zyrtec may be more effective.

Since both medications have a common core chemical structure, Zyrtec and Xyzal generally have the same level of effectiveness, onset of action, and range of allergy symptoms treated. Xyzal is slightly less drowsy, so if drowsiness is an issue with your allergy medicine, Xyzal is better than Zyrtec.

Drowsiness is a common Xyzal side effect. It was reported by 5% to 6% of people taking the medication in clinical trials. Xyzal is more likely to cause drowsiness compared to some other second-generation antihistamines like Claritin (loratadine) and Allegra (fexofenadine).

Drowsiness, tiredness, and dry mouth may occur. Fever or cough may also occur, especially in children. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Besides treating allergy symptoms, Allegra, Claritin, and Xyzal can be equally effective in treating hay fever and allergic skin rashes. Xyzal and Zyrtec, on the other hand, are considered to be more effective for the treatment of hives.

Xyzal® and Claritin® both provide 24 hour allergic rhinitis relief, however, their active ingredients are different. The active ingredient in Claritin® is loratadine, while Xyzal® contains levocetirizine, the medicine that provides effective relief starting in one hour.

For mild to moderate allergy symptoms, Allegra or Claritin are preferred because they are non sedating and do not make you feel sleepy. For more severe symptoms that can interfere with work, school or daily activities, Xyzal or Zyrtec may be more effective.