Page 50 - Medicinal Chemistry Self Assessment

Section 2 Whole Molecule Drug Evaluation

1.11 Cetirizine

Cetirizine is a popular second-generation antihistamine used in the management of allergy symptoms. It is the
metabolic byproduct produced from the prescription antihistamine hydroxyzine. Although cetirizine is labeled non-
Medicinal Chemistry Self-Assessment Book: Batch Two
sedating and is one of the preferred allergy medications for long-haul drivers, hydroxyzine causes significant drowsi-
Chapters 1.11 and 2.11

ness that limits its utility in the management of typical allergy symptoms. Hydroxyzine is commonly used in the

treatment of pruritus (severe itching).
Chapter 1.11 (remove bolded drug names)

Cetirizine
Hydroxyzine

1. Conduct a complete structural evaluation of hydroxyzine and use the information in the grid to inform

your answers to the questions that follow.
Chapter 2.11 (remove bolded drug names)
Function
Function
A C D E Amino Acids That
Character
Can Interact with
Character Acidic, Basic, or Function Interaction(s) Functional Group
Possible with
Name of Hydrophilic Neutral ↑ Solubility Biological Target via H-Bonding (at
Functional and/or Provide pK and/or at Physiological pH=7.4)
a
Group Hydrophobic When Relevant ↑ Absorption pH=7.4 None Is Acceptable

B Hydroxyzine

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