Effect of cetirizine dihydrochloride on the airway response to hypertonic saline aerosol in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

The present data indicate some, though small, effects of the H1 receptor antagonist cetirizine on hypertonic saline-induced airway obstruction in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. In view of the mechanisms involved, it is an open question whether stronger effects can be elicited with higher doses and whether such effects would translate into clinical benefits, e.g. during exacerbations.