FDA Approves XYZAL(R) For Use In Children Age Six Months And Older For The Relief Of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis And Chronic Idiopathic...( ATLANTA and BRIDGEW...),Health

ATLANTA and BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- UCB and sanofi-aventis U.S. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved XYZAL(R) (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) for children age six months and older for the relief of symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis (indoor allergies) and chronic idiopathic urticaria (chronic hives) and for children age two years and older for symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (outdoor allergies). Until now, XYZAL(R), a once-daily prescription antihistamine in both tablet and liquid formulations, has been used to treat symptoms of indoor and outdoor nasal allergies, as well as chronic idiopathic urticaria in patients age six years and older.

"There are options for treating nasal allergies in young children, one of which is XYZAL(R). The availability of a liquid treatment with the established safety and efficacy of XYZAL(R) provides caregivers a new treatment option that can help relieve nasal allergy symptoms in young patients once diagnosed by a physician," said Michael Blaiss, M.D., clinical professor of pediatrics and medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center; past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) and co-editor of the Atlas of Allergic Diseases.

Nasal allergies are currently the most common chronic condition found in children, with allergic rhinitis believed to affect as many as 40 percent of U.S. children. Recognizing the symptoms and increased hereditary risk are key elements to ensuring early diagnosis and proper management. A child with one parent living with allergies has a 48 percent chance of developing allergies, while a child with two parents living with allergies has a 70 percent chance of developing allergies.

XYZAL(R) tablets received FDA approval on May 25, 2007 and XYZAL(R) oral solution received FDA
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