CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE

USDailyMed:Cetirizine AU:B2 R06AE07(WHO)S01GX12(WHO) AU:UnscheduledCA:OTC/ Rx-onlyNZ:OTCUK:General sales list(GSL, OTC) / PUS:OTC/ Rx-onlyOTC / Rx-only (±)-[2-[4-[(4-Chlorophenyl)phenylmethyl]-1-piperazinyl]ethoxy]acetic acid 83881-51-0Y 2678 1222 DB00341Y 2577Y YO7261ME24 D07662Y CHEBI:3561Y ChEMBL1000Y DTXSID4022787 Interactive image Clc1ccc(cc1)C(c2ccccc2)N3CCN(CC3)CCOCC(=O)O InChI=1S/C21H25ClN2O3/c22-19-8-6-18(7-9-19)21(17-4-2-1-3-5-17)24-12-10-23(11-13-24)14-15-27-16-20(25)26/h1-9,21H,10-16H2,(H,25,26)YKey:ZKLPARSLTMPFCP-UHFFFAOYSA-NY Cetirizineis asecond-generation peripherally selective antihistamineused to treatallergic rhinitis(hay‍‍‍‍‍‍​​​‍​​​​​​ fever),dermatitis,urticaria(hives), and runny nose.It is takenby mouth.Effects generally begin within thirty minutes and last for about a day.The degree of benefit is similar to other antihistamines such asdiphenhydramine, which is afirst-generation antihistamine. Common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, headache, and abdominal pain.The degree of sleepiness that occurs is generally less than withfirst-generation antihistaminesbecause second-generation antihistamines are more selective for theH1 receptor.Compared to other second-generation antihistamines, cetirizine can cause drowsiness.Among second-generation antihistamines, cetirizine is more likely thanfexofenadineandloratadineto cause drowsiness. Use inpregnancyappears safe, but use duringbreastfeedingis not recommended.The medication works by blockinghistamineH1receptors, mostly outside thebrain. Cetirizine can be used for paediatric patients. The main side effect to be cautious about issomnolence. It was patented in 1983and came into medical use in 1987.Cetirizine is a therapeutic alternative on theWorld Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.It is available as ageneric medication.In 2023, it was the 55th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 11million prescriptions.