What is rinozal for?: Uses, Side Effects, and How it Works

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergic rhinitis affects between 10% and 30% of the worldwide population. The allergy medication Rinozal, which contains the active ingredient levocetirizine, is prescribed to relieve the symptoms of allergic conditions such as hay fever and hives. As a non-sedating antihistamine, it works by blocking histamine receptors in the body.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the uses, mechanism of action, administration, and potential side effects associated with Rinozal (levocetirizine). It explains how this medication alleviates allergic rhinitis and chronic hives. Information on important precautions and contraindications is also included to ensure safe usage.

Key Points

Active Ingredient: Rinozal contains levocetirizine, a second-generation antihistamine used to treat allergies and hives.
Allergy Relief: It provides relief from symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes.
Hives Treatment: The medication is also effective in managing the itching and rashes associated with chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Mechanism: Levocetirizine works by blocking histamine H1-receptors, which prevents the allergic cascade from causing symptoms.
Common Side Effects: Common side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth. It is recommended to take the medication in the evening to minimize daytime sleepiness.
Administration: Rinozal is generally taken once daily. Renal impairment may require adjustments, which should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Precautions: Caution is advised for those with kidney disease, urinary retention issues, or epilepsy. Avoid concurrent use of alcohol and other CNS depressants.

Disclaimer

Information provided is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication.

What is Rinozal? Understanding its Active Ingredient

Rinozal is an anti-allergic medication whose active ingredient is levocetirizine dihydrochloride. Levocetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine, which means it is generally less sedating compared to older antihistamines. It is the active form of cetirizine, also known as Xyzal in the US market. While the brand name Rinozal is prevalent in some regions, the active component, levocetirizine, is widely available under various brand and generic names.

Therapeutic Uses of Rinozal

This medication is primarily indicated for treating symptoms associated with allergic reactions. Its effectiveness comes from its ability to block histamine, a substance the body releases during an allergic response.

Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis

Rinozal is commonly used to manage allergic rhinitis, which can be either seasonal (hay fever) or perennial (year-round). Symptoms of allergic rhinitis that Rinozal helps relieve include:

Sneezing
Runny nose (rhinorrhea)
Itchy or watery eyes
Itchy nose or throat

Treatment for Urticaria (Hives)

Another primary use for Rinozal is the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria, also known as hives. This condition causes red, itchy, and swollen patches on the skin. Rinozal helps reduce the itching and rash associated with these skin manifestations.

Mechanism of Action: How Rinozal Works

Levocetirizine, the active component of Rinozal, functions as a selective antagonist of the histamine H1-receptor. By binding to and blocking these receptors, it prevents histamine from exerting its effects.

Here is a breakdown of its mechanism:

Histamine Release: When a person with allergies encounters an allergen, their body releases histamine from mast cells.
H1-Receptor Activation: Histamine binds to H1-receptors on various cells throughout the body, triggering the allergic response that causes common symptoms like itching, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Levocetirizine Action: Levocetirizine competes with histamine for these H1-receptor sites. Because it has a higher binding affinity for the receptors than cetirizine, it effectively blocks histamine from attaching and activating them.
Symptom Relief: By preventing this receptor activation, Rinozal stops the chain reaction that leads to allergic symptoms, providing relief to the patient.

Administration

Rinozal is typically available in tablet and oral solution forms. It is generally taken once daily in the evening, with or without food. Taking it in the evening can help mitigate any potential drowsiness during the day. The appropriate amount and form depend on the individual's age and specific condition, and a healthcare provider can determine the suitable approach.

Potential Side Effects

While Rinozal is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects. Common side effects often include:

Drowsiness or fatigue
Dry mouth
Sore throat
Fever
Cough
Nosebleeds (epistaxis), especially in children

More serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention:

Trouble urinating or urinary retention
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) including swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
Worsening allergy symptoms or hives

Important Considerations and Contraindications

Before taking Rinozal, it is crucial to consider certain health factors and potential interactions. For instance, the US FDA has issued a drug safety warning about a rare risk of severe itching after discontinuing long-term use of levocetirizine.

Comparison with Other Allergy Medications


Feature	Rinozal (Levocetirizine)	Intranasal Steroid (e.g., Flonase)	First-Generation Oral Antihistamine (e.g., Benadryl)
Mechanism	Oral antihistamine; blocks histamine H1-receptors.	Intranasal corticosteroid; reduces inflammation in nasal passages.	Oral antihistamine; blocks H1-receptors, can cross blood-brain barrier.
Symptom Relief	Effective for sneezing, itching, runny nose, and hives.	Very effective for nasal congestion, can take several days to reach full effect.	Effective for sneezing, itching, and hives; older formulas often cause more drowsiness.
Drowsiness	Considered non-sedating, but can cause mild drowsiness in some individuals.	No sedative effect.	High potential for drowsiness, especially at higher doses.
Best For	Overall allergy symptoms, chronic hives, and when a single daily pill is preferred.	Primary symptom is nasal congestion; requires consistent, daily use.	Short-term relief for mild, immediate symptoms, but often avoided for daily use due to sedation.

Conclusion

Rinozal, leveraging the antihistamine levocetirizine, is a reliable and effective medication for controlling the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. Its mechanism involves blocking the histamine receptors responsible for allergic reactions. While it provides significant relief, potential users should be aware of possible side effects like drowsiness. As with any medication, consulting a healthcare provider is essential, especially for patients with pre-existing conditions like kidney disease or those considering long-term use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rinozal's primary function is to relieve symptoms caused by allergies, such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and to treat the itching and rashes associated with chronic hives (urticaria).

Yes, Rinozal is a brand name for the medication containing the active ingredient levocetirizine dihydrochloride. In the United States, levocetirizine is also sold under the brand name Xyzal.

Rinozal is classified as a non-sedating antihistamine, meaning it causes less drowsiness than older versions. However, some individuals may still experience mild drowsiness or fatigue, which is why it is often recommended to take it in the evening.

While Rinozal is effective for many allergy symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose, intranasal steroid sprays (like Flonase) are typically more effective at treating severe nasal congestion.

Rinozal is typically taken once daily in the evening, with or without food. It's important to follow the specific instructions from a healthcare provider or the product's packaging.

Yes, Rinozal is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to levocetirizine or cetirizine. It should also not be used by those with end-stage renal disease or by children with impaired kidney function.

Depending on the region, the active ingredient levocetirizine may be available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription. For example, in the US, Xyzal (levocetirizine) is available OTC for adults and children 2 years and older.

In May 2025, the FDA issued a warning about a rare but severe risk of itching that can occur after stopping long-term use of levocetirizine. Patients who experience this should contact their healthcare provider.