cetirizine

noun

ce·​tir·​i·​zine se-ˈtir-ə-ˌzēn 

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

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

The analysis listed the allergy medication cetirizine (best known by the brand name Zyrtec), as well. —David K. Li, NBC News, 2 May 2023

All Day Allergy: available on AmazonKnock hay fever right out of the park with this offering from Amazon, featuring 300 10mg cetirizine hydrochloride tablets. —Kevin Luna, chicagotribune.com, 1 Apr. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cetirizine

• cetirizine hydrochloride

Medical Definition

cetirizine

noun

ce·​tir·​i·​zine se-ˈtir-ə-ˌzēn 

: 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.