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Pronunciation | /sɛˈtɪrɪziːn/ |
Trade names | Zyrtec, others |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a698026 |
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Routes of administration | By mouth |
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Bioavailability | Well-absorbed (>70%)[7] |
Protein binding | 88–96%[7] |
Metabolism | Minimal (non-cytochrome P450-mediated)[9][8] |
Onset of action | 20–42 minutes[8] |
Elimination half-life | Mean: 8.3 hours[9][8] Range: 6.5–10 hours[10] |
Duration of action | ≥24 hours[10] |
Excretion | Urine: 70–85%[9] Feces: 10–13%[9] |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.223.545 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C21H25ClN2O3 |
Molar mass | 388.89 g·mol−1 |
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Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine used to treat allergic rhinitis (hay fever), dermatitis, and urticaria (hives).[11] It is taken by mouth.[12] Effects generally begin within thirty minutes and last for about a day.[12] The degree of benefit is similar to other antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, which is a first-generation antihistamine.[12]
Common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, headache, and abdominal pain.[12] The degree of sleepiness that occurs is generally less than with first-generation antihistamines because second-generation antihistamines are more selective for the H1 receptor.[13][11] Compared to other second-generation antihistamines, cetirizine can cause drowsiness.[13] Among second-generation antihistamines, cetirizine is more likely than fexofenadine and loratadine to cause drowsiness.[13]
Use in pregnancy appears safe, but use during breastfeeding is not recommended.[14] The medication works by blocking histamine H1 receptors, mostly outside the brain.[12]
Cetirizine can be used for paediatric patients. The main side effect to be cautious about is somnolence.[15]
It was patented in 1983[16][17] and came into medical use in 1987.[18] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[19] It is available as a generic medication.[11] In 2022, it was the 43rd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 13 million prescriptions.[20][21]
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