what is Cetirizine

Cetirizine hydrochloride, an antihistamine, is a major metabolite of hydroxyzine, and a racemic selective H1 receptor antagonist 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.


It is a histamine H1-receptor antagonist, which blocks histamine (a chemical that is released in the event of allergic reactions) and helps to relief the symptomes associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria ( sneezing, runny nose, tearing and redness of the eye, itchiness, rashes on the skin, etc).