Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine used in the treatment of hay fever, allergies, angioedema, and urticaria. It is a major metabolite of hydroxyzine, and a racemic selective H1 receptor antagonist.
Second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine are less able to cross the blood-brain barrier and therefore have diminished effects on the central nervous system compared to first-generation drugs: for instance they are less likely to induce drowsiness or to interfere with memory formation.
Properties:
Appearance & Physical State: white to off-white crystalline powder
Density: 1.237 g/cm3
Boiling Point: 542.1ºC at 760 mmHg
Melting Point: 110-115ºC
Flash Point: 281.6ºC
Water Solubility: 101 mg/L