- Cetirizine hydrochloride is an antihistamine that helps prevent the symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Commonly in tablet form, cetirizine hydrochloride can also relieve the itchiness and pain caused by skin rashes. It is the active ingredient in the brand name allergy medication Zyrtec. For people unable to take tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride can also be manufactured into syrup.
- Cetirizine hydrochloride is a racemic compound. A compound is a term used to describe the mixture of two or more elements. In a racemic compound, there are two enantiomers, which are chemical mirror images, or opposites, which are present in equal amounts. Cetirizine hydrochloride is further classed as an H1 receptor antagonist drug. An H1 receptor drug attaches to cell receptors, and helps stimulate histamine production. This is needed when the cells aren't producing enough histamine naturally to fight allergy symptoms. An H1 receptor helps blood vessels dilate and muscles contract. When chloro diphenyl methyl piperazine reacts with 2-chloroethoxy ethyl acetate, it creates an ester compound. This compound is then hydrolyzed into a cetirizine base which turns into the dihydrochloride form of the drug.
- When synthesized, cetirizine hydrochloride can be in many forms. First, it is a white crystalline powder that is manufactured into a tablet for swallowing. In addition it can be made into a white crystalline powder that is later colored with blue dye for a chewable tablet. Finally, this medication is available in a slightly yellow syrup for the liquid medicine. Cetirizine hydrochloride is manufactured with inactive ingredients for taste, appearance, and structure of the drug. Some of the inactive ingredients in the tablet form of the drug include lactose monohydrate, colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. Some of the liquid's inactive ingredients include artificial flavors, glacial acetic acid, propylene glycol, and sugar water.
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