A potent second-generation histamine H1 antagonist that is effective in the treatment of
allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, and pollen-induced asthma. Unlike many traditional
antihistamines,
it does not cause drowsiness or anticholinergic side effects.
Allergic Perennial Rhinitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose similar to that found in hay fever except
that symptoms persist throughout the year. The causes are usually
air-borne allergens, particularly dusts, feathers, molds, animal fur, etc.
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Urticaria
A vascular reaction of the skin characterized by erythema and wheal formation due to
localized increase of vascular permeability.
The causative mechanism may be allergy, infection, or stress.
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Pharmacologic Action
Anti Allergic Agent
Agents that are used to treat allergic reactions. Most of these drugs act by preventing
the release of inflammatory mediators
or inhibiting the actions of released mediators on their target cells.
Non Sedating Histamine H1 Antagonist
A class of non-sedating drugs that bind to but do not activate histamine receptors,
thereby blocking the actions of histamine or histamine agonists. These antihistamines
represent a heterogenous group of compounds with differing chemical structures, adverse
effects, distribution, and metabolism. Compared to the early (first generation)
antihistamines, these non-sedating antihistamines have greater receptor specificity,
lower penetration
of blood-brain barrier, and are less likely to cause drowsiness or psychomotor impairment.
Free Full Text
05 Jul 2008
Central nervous system side effects of first- and second-generation antihistamines in school children with perennial allergic rhinitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparative study
Allergic rhinitis is common and on the rise. Antihistamines are the mainstay of treatment
and are the most commonly prescribed drugs in Singapore. Treatment-related sedation and
its effect on cognition are a major concern. First- and second-generation antihistamines
show varying degrees of sedation, but to date, objective studies in children are lacking.
The objective of this study was to assess the sedating effect of cetirizine
(second-generation antihistamine) and chlorpheniramine (first-generation antihistamine)
compared with placebo using an objective neurophysiological test.
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Long-term evaluation of the impact of the h1-receptor antagonist cetirizine on the behavioral, cognitive, and psychomotor development of very young children with atopic dermatitis
The impact of the prolonged use of cetirizine at high dose (0.25 mg/kg twice a day over 18 mo)
on behavior and cognitive ability was examined in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled
trial (ETAC-Early Treatment of the Atopic Child) designed to establish whether
it was possible to prevent young children
(1-2 y old at study entry) with atopic dermatitis from developing asthma.
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