Drug Groups

approved

Description

A potent second-generation histamine H1 antagonist that is effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, and pollen-induced asthma. Unlike many traditional antihistamines, it does not cause drowsiness or anticholinergic side effects. [PubChem]

Indication

For the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis and the treatment of the uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria

Pharmacology

Cetirizine, the active metabolite of the piperazine H₁-receptor antagonist hydroxyzine, is used to treat chronic idiopathic urticaria, perennial allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, physical urticaria, and atopic dermatitis.

Toxicity

Somnolence (sleepiness or unusual drowsiness), restlessness, irritability

Affected Organisms

Absorption

mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of 114 ng/mL at a time (Tmax) of 2.2 hours postdose was observed for cetirizine

Half Life

8.3 hours

Protein Binding

Very high (93%) plasma protein binding

Clearance

* 53 mL/min [healthy]

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