Abstract

Introduction: Cetirizine may have anti-inflammatory activity due to its different action relating to mediators of inflammation, such as inhibition of histamine release, LTB4, Macrophage migratory inhibitory factor, kinin and interleukin. Aim of the present study is to test the hypothesis that cetirizine prevent the development of inflammation through inhibition of the inflammatory processes including proliferation of inflammatory cells.
Methods: Albino Wistar rats of either sex weighing 150-250 grams, 4 groups consisting of 6 animals per group were used. Group I: Control: 1% Gum acacia. 2ml/kg, Group II: Standard drug: Diclofenac sodium 4.5mg/kg; Group III: Test Drug 1: Cetirizine Dihydrochloride 900 ug/kg; Group IV: Test Drugs 2: Cetirizine Dihydrochloride 900ug/kg + Diclofenac sodium 4.5mg/kg. Drugs were administered orally. For acute and chronic anti-inflammatory activity, Carrageenan induced rat paw oedema method and Rexin pellet induced granuloma method has been used.
Results: Cetirizine Dihydrochloride, is found to have significant anti-inflammatory activity in rats (900 ug/kg dose) alone and in combination with Diclofenac Sodium. Cetirizine (0.201) per se and in combination (0.203) inhibit the increase in paw volume (ml) significantly (p<0.001) as compared to control (0.341). Cetirizine was 22.22% whereas percentage inhibition in combination with Diclofenac Sodium was 45.74%.Cetirizine (5.23) has shown mean gain in dry granuloma weight (mg) alone and in combination with Diclofenac Sodium (5.12) significantly lower (p<0.001) as compared to control (9.54). The percent inhibition of rexin pellet induced dry granulation tissue weight by Cetirizine was 45.17% and Cetirizine in combination with Diclofenac Sodium has shown 46.33%. Mean total mast cells count, inflammatory cell counts and extent of granulation tissue formation has been found to be significantly low in cetirizine group alone and in combination with diclofenac sodium.
Conclusion: Cetirizine Dihydrochloride possess acute and chronic anti-inflammatory activity alone and in combination with Diclofenac sodium.