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Cetirizine tablets
Cetirizine is a selective H1-receptor antagonist that blocks histamine binding to H1 receptors on cells, reducing allergic symptoms.
Cetirizine is a selective H1-receptor antagonist that blocks histamine binding to H1 receptors on cells, reducing allergic symptoms. Used for Allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial), Chronic urticaria, Allergic conjunctivitis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Cetirizine tablets |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | UCB Pharma |
| Drug class | H1-receptor antagonist (second-generation antihistamine) |
| Target | H1 receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology / Allergy |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Cetirizine competitively inhibits histamine at peripheral H1 receptors, preventing histamine-mediated allergic responses such as itching, urticaria, and rhinitis. As a second-generation antihistamine, it is highly selective for H1 receptors and has minimal central nervous system penetration due to its hydrophilic nature and low blood-brain barrier crossing, resulting in reduced sedation compared to first-generation antihistamines.
Approved indications
- Allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial)
- Chronic urticaria
- Allergic conjunctivitis
Common side effects
- Headache
- Somnolence
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Pharyngitis
Key clinical trials
- Study of H3B-6545 in Japanese Women With Estrogen Receptor (ER)-Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2)-Negative Breast Cancer (PHASE1)
- A Prospective Study to Investigate Safety and Tolerability of Shorter Infusion of Fabrazyme (PHASE4)
- The Treatment of Moderate to Severe Allergic Rhinitis With Electroacupuncture Combined With Microneedle Knife (NA)
- Rituximab Treatment for Psychosis And/or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with Probable Immune System Involvement (PHASE2)
- A Comparative Double-Blind, Double- Dummy Study of Desloratadine (DL) 5 MG Once Daily, Cetirizine 10 MG Once Daily, and Placebo Once Daily in Patients With Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (Study P03735) (PHASE4)
- A Comparative Double-blind, Double-dummy Study of Desloratadine (DL) 5 mg Once Daily, Cetirizine 10 mg Once Daily, and Placebo Once Daily in Patients With Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (Study P03736) (PHASE4)
- Relative Bioavailability Study to Evaluate Cetirizine HCl Gummy 10 mg and Cetirizine HCl Oral Tablets 10 mg (PHASE1)
- Fasting Study of Cetirizine HCl Tablets 10 mg and Zyrtec® Tablets 10 mg (PHASE1)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Cetirizine tablets CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Cetirizine tablets updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- UCB Pharma portfolio CI