Cetirizine, a second-generation antihistamine and the carboxylated metabolite of hydroxyzine, is a specific, orally active and long-acting histamine H1-receptor antagonist. Cetirizine marks antiallergic properties and inhibits eosinophil chemotaxis during the allergic response[1][2][3].
Cetirizine (>5 μM) at higher concentrations can reduce the release of GM-CSF and IL-8 from A549 cells stimulated with IL-1β. Cetirizine exerts anti-inflammatory effects beyond histamine H1-receptor antagonist[2].
Cetirizine (20 mg/kg, mice, orally) exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting MIF as well as IL-8 production in mice immunized and challenged with ragweed pollen[3].
References:
[1]. Caroline M. Spencer, et al. Cetirizine. Drugs 46 (6): 1055•1080, 1993.
[2]. Shih MY, et al. Influence of cetirizine and levocetirizine on two cytokines secretion in human airway epithelial cells. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2008 Sep-Oct;29(5):480-5.
[3]. Shimizu T, et al. Cetirizine, an H1-receptor antagonist, suppresses the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor: its potential anti-inflammatory action. Clin Exp Allergy. 2004 Jan;34(1):103-9.