Cetirizine HCl 5mg is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching or swelling caused by hives. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that is responsible for allergic symptoms.

Cetirizine is commonly used to treat conditions like seasonal allergies (hay fever), perennial allergic rhinitis, and urticaria (hives). It is known for being a second-generation antihistamine, meaning it causes less drowsiness compared to first-generation antihistamines, making it suitable for daily use without significantly affecting alertness or concentration. However, some individuals may still experience mild drowsiness as a side effect.