Cetirizine hydrochloride (pronounced /sɛˈtɪrɨziːn/), an antihistamine, is a major metabolite of hydroxyzine, and a racemic selective H1 receptor inverse agonist used in the treatment of allergies, hay fever, angioedema, and urticaria. The structural similarity of cetirizine to hydroxyzine, and its derivation from piperazine, attribute similar adverse reactions and properties to other piperazine derivatives.
Formerly prescription-only in the US and Canada, cetirizine is now available over the counter in both countries as Zyrtec and Reactine respectively. In Australia Zyrtec is available over the counter in pharmacies and in the UK cetirizine can be sold in any outlet and is often available in supermarkets.
Formerly prescription-only in the US and Canada, cetirizine is now available over the counter in both countries as Zyrtec and Reactine respectively. In Australia Zyrtec is available over the counter in pharmacies and in the UK cetirizine can be sold in any outlet and is often available in supermarkets.
Cetirizine crosses the blood-brain barrier only slightly, eliminating the sedative side-effect common with older antihistamines; however it still causes mild drowsiness.[1]
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