cetirizine

noun

ce·​tir·​i·​zine se-ˈtir-ə-ˌzēn How to pronounce cetirizine (audio)
variants or less commonly cetirizine hydrochloride
: 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.

Examples of cetirizine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This class includes sedating medicines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and less sedating ones like Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine). Megan Nunn, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 26 July 2024 Taking oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, fexofenadine, loratadine and cetirizine, can also help counter the effects of your sting, Grimes says. Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 8 July 2024 First-generation oral antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Atarax (hydroxyzine), are more likely than second-generation antihistamines, like Claritin (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine), to cause drowsiness, Yu said. Hannah Seo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2024 Studies show that cetirizine, the active ingredient in Zyrtec, can start working in as little as 20 minutes while loratadine, Claritin's active ingredient, can take up to three hours. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 29 Feb. 2024 One reason why Zyrtec works so well is that its active ingredient, cetirizine HCl, is highly effective in reducing inflammatory cells in those who have allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 29 Feb. 2024 Elliott recommends cetirizine, also known as Zyrtec. Rachel Kurzius, Washington Post, 12 Dec. 2023 Consult Your Veterinarian While diphenhydramine and cetirizine are popular choices there are several other types available as well. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 June 2023 Commonly sold under the brand name Zyrtec, cetirizine is an effective antihistamine that doesn't typically cause drowsiness in dogs. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cetirizine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cetirizine was in 1987

Dictionary Entries Near cetirizine

Cite this Entry

“Cetirizine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cetirizine. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

cetirizine

noun
ce·​tir·​i·​zine se-ˈtir-ə-ˌzēn How to pronounce cetirizine (audio)
: a long-acting, nonsedating, antihistamine drug that is taken orally in the form of its dihydrochloride C21H25ClN2O3·2HCl especially 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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