Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Zyrtec, Reactine, Benadryl Allergy, Alerid, Cetirizine Hydrochloride
Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine used to treat allergies. It belongs to the piperazine class of antihistamines and works by selectively blocking the H1 histamine receptor. This action reduces the effects of histamine, which is responsible for allergic symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itching.
For the relief of allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and hives.
Outcome:
Excessive drowsiness, respiratory depression
Mechanism:
Additive CNS depression
Outcome:
Increased drowsiness
Mechanism:
Additive CNS depressant effects
Outcome:
Additive antihistamine effects
Mechanism:
Similar mechanism of action
Most likely new formulation: Controlled-release formulation for once-daily dosing (2025, 70% confidence)
Based on consistent safety and efficacy data, cetirizine's OTC status is predicted to remain stable with a 95% likelihood.
Antihistamine, H1-receptor antagonist
Piperazine