cetirizine(Zyrtec, Quzyttir (IV))
Second-generation H1 antihistamine
Pronunciation
/sɪˈtɪrəziːn/
International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Say it aloud once — you will remember it forever.
At a glance
- Generic name
- cetirizine
- Brand names
- Zyrtec, Quzyttir (IV)
- Therapeutic class
- Second-generation H1 antihistamine
- Mechanism (summary)
- <!-- AI-DRAFTED: 2026-06-24 -->
Clinical pearls
- Take once daily, with or without food.
- More sedating than loratadine or fexofenadine - take at bedtime if drowsy.
- Available OTC for adults and children >=2 years.
- ### NAPLEX practice notes
- Most sedating second-generation antihistamine.
Related drugs in this class
Sources
See how cetirizine appears in NAPLEX-style questions
PharmDHub Premium includes a full drug card, dosing, boxed warnings, drug-drug interactions, and practice questions built around this drug.