cetirizine hydrochloride

Cetirizine hydrochloride is a second-generation, selective histamine H1-receptor antagonist used to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), perennial allergies, and chronic urticaria (hives). It works by blocking the action of histamine at the H1 receptor sites on respiratory smooth muscle cells, vascular endothelial cells, immune cells, and in the gastrointestinal tract. This reduces sneezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and hives. Unlike first-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine or doxylamine, cetirizine crosses the blood-brain barrier minimally and therefore causes less sedation. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by reducing infiltration of inflammatory cells in allergic conditions.[1][2][5]

Brand names

ZyrtecAller-TecAll Day AllergyChildren's ZyrtecQuzyttirReactineWal Zyr 24 Hour AllergyWal Zyr DWal-ZyrZerviateAlatrolAleridAllacanAllercetAlzeneCerchioCetirinCetizinCetrizCetzineCezinCetgelCirrusHistecHistazineHumexLetizenOkacetPiritezeRazeneRigixSensahistTrizZetopZirtecZirtekZodacZyllergyZynor

Other names

cetirizinum (INN/Latin)cetirizina (Spanish/Italian)cetirizin (German/French)M-cetirizineApo-cetirizineBio-cetirizine