Aug. 25 (HealthDay News) -- The antihistamine Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) has been approved for children aged six months and older for indoor allergies and hives, drug makers UCB and Sanofi-Aventis said.

The medication, available as a liquid or pill, had been approved previously for people aged six years and older. The expanded approval also sanctions the drug's use to treat outdoor allergies in children aged two years and older.

Side effects of the medication may include fatigue, sore throat and dry mouth. Younger children may have additional adverse effects including fever, diarrhea, vomiting, ear infections and constipation, the drug makers said in a news release.