Coverage and cost comparison of Zyrtec vs. Xyzal<\/span><\/h2>\nZyrtec is available over the counter in both brand and generic. The average retail price of brand-name Zyrtec for 30, 10 mg tablets costs about $25. You can purchase the generic version of Zyrtec for about $3 using a <\/span>free Coupon<\/span>. Zyrtec is typically not covered by insurance or Medicare prescription plans; however, some state Medicaid plans may cover generic cetirizine.<\/span><\/p>\nXyzal is available in both prescription (generic) and OTC form (both brand and generic). The average retail price of generic Xyzal, levocetirizine, is about $106 for 30, 5 mg tablets, but it can be purchased for about $7 with a free <\/span>levocetirizine coupon<\/span>. Insurance and Medicare prescription plans typically cover the generic prescription form of levocetirizine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIn order to use a card or coupon when purchasing an OTC version of Xyzal or Zyrtec, a prescription is required.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nCost and coverage of Xyzal vs. Zyrtec<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n\n| Typically covered by insurance?<\/span><\/td>\n | Yes; generic prescription form<\/span><\/td>\n | No (because it is only OTC); some states may cover generic under Medicaid<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Typically covered by Medicare prescription plans?<\/span><\/td>\n | Yes; generic prescription form<\/span><\/td>\n | No<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Standard dosage<\/span><\/td>\n | 30, 5 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n | 30, 10 mg tablets\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Typical Medicare prescription plan copay<\/span><\/td>\n | $0\u201320<\/span><\/td>\n | N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| cost*<\/span><\/td>\n | $7\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n | $3\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n*Cost at the time of publication. Drug prices fluctuate and vary by pharmacy.\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\nCommon side effects of Xyzal vs. Zyrtec<\/span><\/h2>\nXyzal and Zyrtec have similar side effects. The most common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, and fatigue.<\/span><\/p>\nDrowsiness<\/span><\/h3>\nXyzal and Zyrtec are both generally tolerated very well. They can both cause drowsiness. However, they cause less drowsiness than older antihistamines like <\/span>Benadryl <\/span>(diphenhydramine). Since Xyzal and Zyrtec are chemically similar, they have similar side effects, including drowsiness. However, drowsiness is reported more often with Zyrtec than with Xyzal. So, if drowsiness is a concern, Xyzal may be a better option. Also, taking the antihistamine at night can help you avoid drowsiness, and the medication will help relieve symptoms while you sleep, which helps you wake up feeling rested.<\/span><\/p>\nDry mouth<\/span><\/h3>\nAntihistamines such as Xyzal and Zyrtec can cause a dry mouth. To relieve a dry mouth, you can try chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless candy\u2014choosing sugarless can help you avoid cavities. You can also sip on water throughout the day, let ice chips melt in your mouth, or try a saliva-substitute product. Choosing low-sugar, non-acidic, moist foods can help as well. If you use mouthwash, avoid products that contain alcohol. Instead, choose a mouthwash designed for people with dry mouth. You can also use a humidifier in your room at night to add moisture to the air.<\/span><\/p>\nOther side effects may occur. Consult your healthcare professional for a complete list of side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nXyzal and Zyrtec side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n\nSomnolence (drowsiness)<\/strong><\/td>\n| Yes<\/span><\/td>\n | 5-6%<\/span><\/td>\n | Yes<\/span><\/td>\n | 14%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nNasopharyngitis (common cold)<\/strong><\/td>\n| Yes<\/span><\/td>\n | 4-6%<\/span><\/td>\n | No<\/span><\/td>\n | \u2013<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nPharyngitis (sore throat)<\/strong><\/td>\n| Yes<\/span><\/td>\n | 1-2%<\/span><\/td>\n | Yes<\/span><\/td>\n | 2%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nFatigue<\/strong><\/td>\n| Yes<\/span><\/td>\n | 1-4%<\/span><\/td>\n | Yes<\/span><\/td>\n | 5.9%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nDry mouth<\/strong><\/td>\n| Yes<\/span><\/td>\n | 2-3%<\/span><\/td>\n | Yes<\/span><\/td>\n | 5%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n*Frequency can vary by dose.\u00a0<\/span>Source: DailyMed (Xyzal), Pfizer (Zyrtec)<\/span><\/h5>\nDrug interactions of Xyzal vs. Zyrtec<\/span><\/h2>\nDo not use alcohol with Xyzal or Zyrtec. The combination can cause impairment and affect alertness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAdditionally, central nervous system (CNS) depressant medications should not be taken in combination with either drug due to additive effects on slowing down brain activity. CNS depressants include drugs such as anxiety medications, insomnia medications, opioid pain medications, barbiturates, and muscle relaxants. Certain CNS depressants are sometimes referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nOther drug interactions may occur with Xyzal or Zyrtec. Consult your healthcare provider for a full list of drug interactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nMedication interactions of Xyzal vs. Zyrtec<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n\n| Alcohol<\/span><\/td>\n | Yes<\/span><\/td>\n | Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nCentral nervous system (CNS) depressants, for example:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Anxiety medications such as Xanax (alprazolam)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Sleeping medications such as Ambien (zolpidem)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Opioid pain medications such as oxycodone<\/span><\/li>\n
- Barbiturates such as phenobarbital<\/span><\/li>\n
- Muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
| Yes<\/span><\/td>\n | Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nXyzal and Zyrtec warnings<\/span><\/h2>\nXyzal and Zyrtec warnings include somnolence (sleepiness) and fatigue. You should avoid driving until you know how you react to Xyzal or Zyrtec. You should not drink alcohol while taking Xyzal or Zyrtec because the combination can affect alertness and cause impairment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nXyzal and Zyrtec may also cause urinary retention and should be used with caution in patients with a prostate condition. Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice if you have prostate problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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