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Cetirizine: a new, nonsedating antihistamine
C L Barnes1, C A McKenzie, K D Webster
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC 27506.
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Cetirizine, a nonsedating antihistamine, offers rapid relief for allergies like rhinitis and urticaria with once-daily dosing. It demonstrates fewer side effects than older antihistamines.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Antihistamines are crucial for managing allergic conditions.
- First-generation antihistamines often cause sedation, limiting their use.
- There is a need for effective, non-sedating allergy treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cetirizine, a second-generation antihistamine.
- To discuss its mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and safety profile.
- To compare cetirizine with other antihistamines.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of MEDLINE database.
- Inclusion of English-language publications.
- Focus on human clinical trials for evaluation.
Main Results:
- Cetirizine is a potent H1-antagonist and a metabolite of hydroxyzine.
- It is effective in treating allergic rhinitis, chronic idiopathic urticaria, and asthma.
- Cetirizine exhibits a favorable safety profile with fewer adverse effects than first-generation agents.
- Recommended dosage is 5-10 mg daily for adults.
Conclusions:
- Cetirizine offers advantages such as rapid onset of action and once-daily dosing.
- Clinical studies suggest potential benefits over existing allergy medications.
- Postmarketing surveillance is recommended to confirm findings.