CAS: 163837-48-7

Cetirizine is a levorotatory antihistamine that has been shown to have a linear response to changes in concentration. It is used as an anti-allergic agent for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis and other allergic disorders. Cetirizine is an H1 receptor antagonist and its activity is due to competitive inhibition of histamine binding at this site. Cetirizine also inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells, including histamine, prostaglandin D2, leukotrienes, and interleukins. This drug also has a rapid onset of action and it can be administered on a once-daily schedule.

Applications A nonsedating type histamine H1-receptor antagonist. A major metabolite of Hydroxyzine. Pharmacological activity resides primarily in the (R)-isomer. Antihystaminic. References De Vos, C., et al.: Ann. Allergy, 59, 278 (1987), Juhlin, L., et al.: J. Allergy Clin. Immunol., 80, 599 (1987), Fadel, R., et al.: Clin. Allergy, 17, 373 (1987), Gengo, F.M., et al.: Clin. Pharmacol. Ther., 42, 265 (1987)