How Do Drug Work - NEW Non Sedating Antihistamine

Hello Everyone,

On a previous post I wrote about Zyrtec (cetirizine) now being available over the counter (OTC).
There is now another non sedating antihistamine on the market.

YXZLAR (levocetirizine) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a once-daily prescription antihistamine. It is classified as a non sedating antihistamine and indicated for the the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal or perennial allergic symptoms. It is also indicated for non complicated skin allergies. When a drug is INDICATED for a certain condition, that means that the FDA has approved that drug for that specific use.

The most common side effects of Xyzlar in adults were drowsiness, fatigue and dry mouth.

Here is an interesting medication phenomenon. See if you can see any similarities here.

ZYRTEC = CETIRIZINE

XYZLAR = LevoCETIRIZINE

Are they the same drug? No, not exactly. On a molecular level, in the world on medicinal chemistry, levocetirizine is an ENANTIOMER of cetirizine. More specifically, it is the active R-enantiomer. Think of your left hand as being an enatiomer of your right hand. They are the same, but reversed. Being the active enantiomer means that it is the levocetirizine molecule that actually provides the antihistmine effects.If anyone would like more information on the specifics of stereo-chemistry, please email me.

Anyway, I got carried away there.

So, if your allergy symptoms are being well controlled by Zyrtec (cetirizine) and since it is now over the counter (OTC), you may want to look for a prescription product. XYZLAR may be a good candidate to ask your physician about.

Thanks for your interest,

Dr. Paul

General Health Information - Non Sedating Antihistamines

Hello Everyone,

On a previous post I talked about non sedating antihistamines. In that article, I referenced Zyrtec (cetirizine) as one of the prescription products available.

I just read that on 11/22, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zyrtec tablets, chewable tablets and syrup for nonprescription, over the counter (OTC) use. It is approved for temporary relief of symptoms due to hay fever or other respiratory allergy symptoms.

Andrea Leonard-Segal, M.D., director, Division of Nonprescription Clinical Evaluation in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research stated "The approval of Zyrtec for nonprescription use offers an additional treatment option for children and adults. As for all nonprescription drugs, consumers and caregivers should read and carefully follow all directions on the labeling."

What does this mean for you?

For many of you, to obtain this medication, you will not longer to need to visit your physician to get a prescription for Zyrtec. That's the good news.

For many more with prescription drug coverage, since Zyrtec is now OTC, the medication will no longer be covered. If you were paying a $10 co-pay for your Zyrtec, you will now be paying much more. That's the bad news.

I tried to research the prices of OTC Zyrtec but I was unable to find a current price. As soon as I find a price I will let you know.

Please consult with your Pharmacist or Physician for alternatives to Zyrtec if you would like to switch to a prescription product.

I will be posting some updated information on an alternative.

Thanks,

Dr. Paul