What is Cetirizine hydrochloride? Cetirizine hydrochloride is the active component of the drug known as ZYRTEC which is used to treat indoor (mold, dust, pet dander) and outdoor (pollen of trees, grasses, and flowers) allergy symptoms.  The chemical name is (+/-)- [2- [4- [(4-chlorophenyl)phenylmethyl] -1- piperazinyl] ethoxy] acetic acid, dihydrochloride.  Cetirizine HCl is a racemic compound with an empirical formula of C12H25ClN2O3*2HCl The molecular weight is 461.82 and chemical structure is shown: What causes allergy symptoms? The human body produces a substance called histamine which is released when a person comes in contact with something that they are allergic to.  Histamine is what causes the allergic symptoms such as:  sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itching.  How does Zyrtec (cetirizine HCl) work? Cetirizine HCl is an antihistamine and its principal effect is the inhibition of the histamine (H1) receptors.  This effect allows relief of allergy symptoms.  Therefore, this effect balances the body's immune system which promotes a better sense of health and wellness allowing a person to enjoy his/her daily activities.

What form is Zyrtec available in? Zyrtec is available for oral use only. Zyrtec tablets are formulated as white, rounded-off rectangular shaped pills available in 5 and 10 mg strengths. Zyrtec chewable tablets are purple round tablet also available in 5 and 10 mg strengths. Zyrtec syrup is colorless to slightly yellow containing cetirizine hydrochloride at a concentration of 1 mg/mL (5 mg/mL) for oral administration.

 
 

REFERENCES:

http://www.allergy-info.com

http://www.allegra-claritin-zyrtec-allergy-medication.com

http://www.buy-zyrtec-claritin-loratadine-atarax-vistaril-hydroxyzine.com

http://www.canadianprescriptionsavers.com

http://www.edrugnet.com

http://www.edrugsonline.com

http://www.zyrtec.com

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