Zyrtec (Cetirizine Hydrochloride) - Summary

ZYRTEC SUMMARY

ZYRTEC^®
(cetirizine hydrochloride)
Tablets, Chewable Tablets and Syrup
For Oral Use

Cetirizine hydrochloride, the active component of ZYRTEC^® tablets and syrup, is an orally active and selective H₁-receptor antagonist.

ZYRTEC is indicated for the following:

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: ZYRTEC is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis due to allergens such as ragweed, grass and tree pollens in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Symptoms treated effectively include sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing, and redness of the eyes.

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: ZYRTEC is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens such as dust mites, animal dander and molds in adults and children 6 months of age and older. Symptoms treated effectively include sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, and tearing.

Chronic Urticaria: ZYRTEC is indicated for the treatment of the uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children 6 months of age and older. It significantly reduces the occurrence, severity, and duration of hives and significantly reduces pruritus.

See all Zyrtec indications & dosage >>

ZYRTEC NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Media Articles Related to Zyrtec (Cetirizine)

Over-the-Counter Zyrtec-D Approved
Source: MedicineNet cetirizine Specialty [2007.11.12]
Title: Over-the-Counter Zyrtec-D Approved
Category: Health News
Created: 11/12/2007
Last Editorial Review: 11/12/2007

Synthroid, Zyrtec, and Nasonex Drug Interactions
Source: MedicineNet cetirizine Specialty [2006.11.29]
Title: Synthroid, Zyrtec, and Nasonex Drug Interactions
Category: Ask The Experts
Created: 11/29/2006
Last Editorial Review: 11/29/2006

more news >>

Published Studies Related to Zyrtec (Cetirizine)

Hydroxyzine and cetirizine pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics after oral and intravenous administration of hydroxyzine to healthy dogs. [2008.12]
Pharmacokinetic parameters of hydroxyzine and its active metabolite cetirizine [generic for Zyrtec] were determined after oral and intravenous administration of 2 mg kg(-1) of hydroxyzine to six healthy dogs. Plasma drug levels were determined with high-pressure liquid chromatography... Pharmacodynamic modelling predicted that maximal antihistamine effect would occur with twice daily oral administration of hydroxyzine at 2 mg kg(-1).

Levocetirizine in persistent allergic rhinitis: continuous or on-demand use? A pilot study. [2008.10]
BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is a high-prevalence disease that affects quality of life (QOL), sleep quality and productivity of patients. According to the ARIA initiative, it is classified as intermittent and persistent, the latter being the most troublesome... CONCLUSION: The present open label study in 62 patients indicates that levocetirizine [generic for Zyrtec] 5 mg reliably controls persistent rhinitis over a period of 6 months, and shows a trend to be more effective in controlling the symptoms of rhinitis, improving QOL and decreasing nasal inflammation, when administered as long-term continuous therapy rather than as on-demand therapy.

Efficacy comparison of levocetirizine vs montelukast in ragweed sensitized patients. [2008.09]
BACKGROUND: To date, no adequate data are available on direct comparison of the efficacy of levocetirizine [generic for Zyrtec], a recently approved histamine1-antihistamine, with that of a leukotriene antagonist in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of therapeutic doses of 5 mg of levocetirizine and 10 mg of montelukast in ragweed sensitized patients... CONCLUSIONS: This study in an environmental exposure chamber confirms the therapeutic efficacy of 5 mg of levocetirizine in improving symptoms of SAR, which was superior to 10 mg of montelukast.

A 12-week placebo-controlled study of rupatadine 10 mg once daily compared with cetirizine 10 mg once daily, in the treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis. [2008.07]
BACKGROUND: With the current increasing incidence of allergies worldwide, new treatments showing efficacy and long term safety are needed for chronic conditions such as persistent allergic rhinitis (PER). New generation H1-antihistamines have demonstrated anti-allergic properties, which could possibly enhance their effectiveness in long-term periods of treatment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of rupatadine, in controlling symptoms of PER over a 12-week period... CONCLUSION: Rupatadine significantly relieves symptoms of PER, providing a rapid onset of action and maintains its effects over a long period of 12-weeks.

Determination of levocetirizine in human plasma by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry: application to a bioequivalence study. [2008.02.01]
We describe a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method (LC-MS/MS) for levocetirizine [generic for Zyrtec] quantification (I) in human plasma. Sample preparation was made using a fexofenadine (II) addition as internal standard (IS), liquid-liquid extraction using cold dichloromethane, and dissolving the final extract in acetonitrile... Validation results on linearity, specificity, accuracy, precision and stability, as well as its application to the analysis of plasma samples taken up to 48h after oral administration of 5mg of levocetirizine dichloridrate in healthy volunteers demonstrate its applicability to bioavailability studies.

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Clinical Trials Related to Zyrtec (Cetirizine)

Food Study of Cetirizine HCl Tablets 10 mg and Zyrtec® 10 mg [Completed]
The objective of this study was to investigate the bioequivalence of Mylan's cetirizine HCl tablets to Pfizer's Zyrtec® tablets following a single, oral 10 mg (1 x 10 mg) dose administered under fed conditions.

Fasting Study of Cetirizine HCl Tablets 10 mg and Zyrtec® Tablets 10 mg [Completed]
"The objective of this study was to investigate the bioequivalence of Mylan cetirizine HCl 10 mg tablets to Pfizer's Zyrtec® 10 mg tablets following a single, oral 10 mg (1 x 10 mg) dose administration under fasting conditions.

Randomized Phase III Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Xyzal® (Levocetirizine) vs Zyrtec® (Cetirizine) in Subjects With Dermatitis and Eczema [Completed]
Korean double-blind non-inferiority study to asses the efficacy (as measured by the responder rate of pruritus severity score by the patient at visit 4 or end-of-treatment visit over the 2 weeks treatment period) and safety of Xyzal® to Zyrtec® in subjects suffering from dermatitis and eczema with pruritus symptoms

Study to Assess the Effect of a Combination of Cetirizine With Pseudoephedrine Versus Cetirizine Alone on Symptoms in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis. [Completed]

Efficacy and Safety of Cetirizine Tablets Versus Ketotifen Dry Syrup in Children With Perennial Allergic Rhinitis [Completed]
Ketotifen is an established antihistamine drug, widely used in pediatric clinical practice in Japan. The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of cetirizine hydrochloride versus ketotifen dry syrup on children 7 years and older with perennial allergic rhinitis.

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ZYRTEC PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Zyrtec review by care giver of 16 year old male patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Highly Effective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		hives, itching, swelling due to allergies
Dosage & duration:		1 teaspoon daily (dosage frequency: once a day) for the period of 5 years
Other conditions:		None
Other drugs taken:		None
		Reported Results
Benefits:		No allergic reactions while taking daily doses of Zyrtec and no side effects at all.
Side effects:		None
Comments:		My son had been having terrible problems with allergies. The cause is still unknown. Constant hives, itching and worst of all his lips & eyes would swell excessively to the point where he couldn't leave the house. He was prescribed Zyrtec 5 years ago and the only time he has a reaction is when he forgets to take his daily dose. It has been wonderful. Absolutely no side effects.

Zyrtec review by 25 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Considerably Effective
Side effects:		Mild Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		water in ear
Dosage & duration:		1 daily (dosage frequency: 1 daily) for the period of 6 months
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		It did clear up my inner ear water. It also seemed to dry up the constant mucus that seemed to be in my sinuses. This helped me to be able to breathe better.
Side effects:		The only side effect that I could notice was dryness in my mouth and nostrils. I seemed to be thirsty all of the time. And my nose and sinuses seemed to be really dry.
Comments:		I took 1 pill each day. I enjoyed not having to take it more than once per day. I have problems remembering to take more than one dose a day.

Zyrtec review by 42 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Moderately Effective
Side effects:		Moderate Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		sinusitis
Dosage & duration:		One tablet (?) taken 1 x d for the period of 1 month
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		oral contraceptives, nasalchrom
		Reported Results
Benefits:		Moderate reduction in alergy symptoms
Side effects:		an intollerable level of sedation. Even though I took the medication before bedtime, the next day I felt exhausted and mentally dull for the entire day. Given the moderate level of symptom relief, this was not a reasonable trade-off.
Comments:		Was instructed to take medication at bedtime to reduce sedating effects.