Author: Charles Frank
Hydroxyzine Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
Hydroxyzine is used in adults and children to relieve itching caused by allergic skin reactions. It is also used alone or with other medications in adults and children to relieve anxiety and tension. Hydroxyzine is also used along with other medications in adults and children as a sedative before and after general anesthesia for surgery. Hydroxyzine is in a class of medications called antihistamines.
Contact your doctor right away if you have any changes to your heart rhythm. You might feel dizzy or faint, or you might have a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat. Make sure your doctor knows if you or anyone in your family has ever had a heart rhythm problem such as QT prolongation. It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to use it.
LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet].
This drug can often cause excitement in young children instead of drowsiness. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid. Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of hydroxyzine in children.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, trouble urinating or QT prolongation (see above). Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling. You may report side effects to FDA at FDA-1088 or at /medwatch. Hydroxyzine starts to work in about 15 to 30 minutes but its drowsy effect may last for 4 to 6 hours.
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- Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects.
- Tell your doctor if you have a fever, skin rash, or worsening of skin problems after using this medicine.
- This drug can often cause excitement in young children instead of drowsiness.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
Hydroxyzine is a first generation antihistamine that is used largely for symptoms of itching, nausea, anxiety and tension. Hydroxyzine has not been linked to instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury. Before taking hydroxyzine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to cetirizine; or to levocetirizine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur.
If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. If you are receiving skin tests for allergies, tell your care team you are using this medication.
What is this medication?
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.
What other drugs will affect hydroxyzine?
It works by blocking the action of histamine a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
In rare cases, hydroxyzine may cause a severe skin reaction. Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, constipation, or dry mouth may occur.