Latebreakers: New once-daily antihistamine to make its debut

Long-acting levocetirizine (Xyzal, UCB/Sanofi-Aventis) has received regulatory approval for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and for uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children six years of age and older. According to the manufacturers, the drug is contraindicated in patients with end-stage renal disease, patients undergoing hemodialysis, and pediatric patients aged six to 11 years with impaired renal function. Launch of the once-daily tablets is expected this fall.