RESUMO
Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is associated with disturbed sleep and subsequent functioning, and an impaired quality of life (QoL). The symptoms of AR exhibit prominent circadian variations, with symptoms being more common at the night-time or early morning. Addressing these allergy-related sleep issues, impaired QoL, and circadian variation in symptoms is important from the patient perspective and should be considered in the management of AR. Objective: To review the efficacy of cetirizine, a second-generation antihistamine and selective H1-receptor antagonist, in relation to improvement in the QoL of the patients, addressing the sleep disturbances and circadian variations in the symptoms of AR in clinical practice, and establishing its role as a contemporary antihistamine for the management of AR compared to newer antihistamines. Methods: Systematic literature review of the databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1990 to 2020. Results: The symptoms of AR exhibited a circadian variation, with symptoms being worse during the night and early morning. The patients with AR encountered several sleep-related symptoms, including poor sleep quality, daytime somnolence, fatigue, and impaired productivity and QoL. Impaired QoL in AR was related to the disease severity. Administration of cetirizine at bedtime provides effective control of sleep impairment and symptoms of AR, besides improving the QoL. The efficacy of cetirizine has been demonstrated to be superior or comparable to the newer second-generation antihistamines. Cetirizine exhibits a tolerability profile comparable to the newer antihistamines. Conclusion: With long years of clinical experience and a good tolerability profile, cetirizine represents a valuable therapeutic option for the management of AR, even 30 years after its introduction. Cetirizine is included in the National List of Essential Medicines of India for the management of allergic disorders in view of its established efficacy and safety profile as well as being a cost-effective option.