Cetirizine (CAS 83881-51-0) Suppliers and Product Information

Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine used for the treatment of allergies, hay fever, angioedema, and urticaria. It is a metabolite of hydroxyzine and acts as a selective H1 receptor inverse agonist. Cetirizine has a long duration of action and crosses the blood-brain barrier only slightly, reducing sedative side effects common with older antihistamines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the primary use of Cetirizine?

A: Cetirizine is primarily used for the temporary relief of symptoms caused by hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies, including runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose or throat, and itchy watery eyes. It is also used to relieve itching caused by hives (urticaria).

Q: How does Cetirizine differ from first-generation antihistamines?

A: Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier only slightly, resulting in reduced sedative side effects compared to older, first-generation antihistamines. It also has a longer duration of action and is highly selective for H1 receptors.

Q: Are there any special considerations for Cetirizine dosage in certain patients?

A: Yes, a reduced dosage of 5 mg daily is recommended for patients with chronic renal or hepatic impairment. It's also worth noting that sedative side effects may increase with dosages of cetirizine greater than 10 mg per day.