SINCE 1828

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cetirizine

noun ce·tir·i·zine \ se-ˈtir-ə-ˌzēn \

variants: or less commonly cetirizine hydrochloride

Definition of cetirizine

:a long-acting, nonsedating, antihistamine drug taken orally in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₁H₂₅ClN₂O₃·2HCl especially to treat allergic rhinitis and chronic hives

Note: Cetirizine is marketed under the trademark Zyrtec .

First Known Use of cetirizine

1987

Medical Dictionary

cetirizine

noun ce·tir·i·zine \ se-ˈtir-ə-ˌzēn \

medical Definition of cetirizine

:a long-acting, nonsedating, antihistamine drug taken orally in the form of its dihydrochloride C₂₁H₂₅ClN₂O₃·2HCl to treat allergic rhinitis and chronic hives

Note: Cetirizine is a derivative of piperazine and an H₁ antagonist that binds competitively with histamine to H₁ receptors on cell membranes. It is marketed under the trademark Zyrtec.

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