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Are all Cetirizine the same?
Even when the molecule is the same, quality differences in the manufacturing of a pharmaceutical formulation matter.
Cetirizine is a widely prescribed second-generation antihistamine used for allergic rhinitis and urticaria. However, while generics may contain the same active molecule, their formulation quality can vary significantly impacting disintegration, dissolution, and ultimately, patient outcomes. If the formulations are not manufactured properly and are not optimized, they will not render the desired effects.
What the Science Says
A comparative study evaluated five different cetirizine brands (GSK’s brand VS other Cetirizine Brand) using key pharmaceutical parameters: hardness (tablet strength), disintegration (how fast it breaks down in the body), dissolution (how much drug is released into solution), and friability (tablet’s resistance to crumbling). These indicators are critical in determining how efficiently a drug performs once ingested.
While comparing the results of study, a closer look at GSK’s Brand and Other cetirizine brand reveals how significantly formulation quality can vary—even with the same molecule. GSK’s Brand, a second-generation antihistamine, demonstrated noticeable performance across key indicators, making it stand out in both clinical relevance and pharmaceutical integrity.
Data Summary: GSK Brand’s Vs Other cetirizine brand
GSK Brand’s disintegrated in just 3.3 minutes, compared to 4.3 minutes for Other cetirizine brand. This faster breakdown suggests a quicker onset of action, essential for timely allergy relief. In terms of dissolution, GSK’s Brand achieved 90.09%, whereas Other cetirizine brand reached 87.74%, meaning more of GSK’s Brand active ingredient became available for absorption within the expected time window.
Additionally, friability was lower for GSK’s Brand (0.4%) than Other cetirizine brand (0.8%), indicating a stronger, more stable tablet that maintains its integrity during handling. The hardness of GSK’s Brand also supported efficient disintegration without compromising structural quality—striking the optimal balance between durability and bioavailability.
This focused comparison illustrates how GSK Brand’s formulation quality translates into faster relief, higher consistency, and more dependable performance, underscoring the importance of evaluating beyond the molecule.
Want to know which brand performed most effectively?
While all cetirizine’s may look the same on paper, not all deliver the same clinical performance. GSK brand’s pharmaceutical profile consists of distinct properties compared to other cetirizine brand—faster disintegration, optimal hardness, high dissolution— translates into faster onset of action, longer duration of efficacy, and non-sedating relief.
Reference:
- Anjum F;Jordan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences;2012;5;165-170
To know the brand, click the button below!
GlaxoSmithKline Pakistan Limited
35-Dockyard Road, West Wharf, Karachi - 74000.
Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK Group of Companies.
GlaxoSmithKline Pakistan Limited is a member of GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.
© 2025 GSK group of companies or its licensor.
Adverse Events must be reported. For products related to GSK Pakistan, please report adverse events via email at pk_pharmasafety@gsk.com or call us at +92 (21) 111 475 725 - Ext: 7&8.
Online: Patient Safety Reporting Forum
PM-PK-CTR-WCNT-250002 | Date of preparation: June 2025
