The generic of Xyzal (and active ingredient) is levocetirizine, and the generic of Zyrtec is cetirizine. Xyzal and Zyrtec can both be used in adults and children. For children, the dosage depends on the child’s age and formulation.

The generic name of Xyzal is levocetirizine. If you think that this allergy medication looks like the active ingredient of Zyrtec (cetirizine), you are correct. Xyzal is formulated with a specific form of cetirizine (UpToDate, n.d.-b)

Levocetirizine is a generic OTC medication that is available under the brand-name Xyzal. With a similar sounding name to cetirizine, levocetirizine is chemically similar to cetirizine. Levocetirizine may cause less drowsiness than Zyrtec due to its slight difference in chemical structure.

Levocetirizine and cetirizine are the active ingredients and generic names of Xyzal and Zyrtec, respectively. You may notice that levocetirizine and cetirizine share similar names, and that is due to the similarity in their core chemical makeup.

Teva has launched the generic equivalent of Xyzal (UCB and sanofi aventis) tablets, Levocetirizine dihydrochloride tablets.