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Hydroxyzine

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Hydroxyzine

Hydroxyzine acts as an antidepressant and provides relief in cases of anxiety or tension. It is a sedative that lowers the activity of the nervous system. It also works as an antihistamine. Hydroxyzine is also used to cure certain skin allergies.

It can also be used in combination with other medications for the purpose of anesthesia. Using Hydroxyzine may give rise to certain minor or severe reactions. The minor reactions are shakiness, tremors, drying of the mouth, headache or migraine, hallucinations.

Serious side effects include chest pain, cough, dizziness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, skin rashes, difficulty breathing, and fatigue, swelling of the face, eyes, lips or mouth. In case of the latter category of side effects seek medical aid immediately. Certain preventive measures that you should ensure by consulting your doctor, if you have or are:

  • Allergic to Hydroxyzine or any other medicine, or foods or substances
  • History of long QT syndrome (LQTS)
  • Glaucoma
  • Heart diseases
  • Urinating problem
  • Recently had a heart attack
  • High or low levels of potassium.

Hydroxyzine is available in oral capsule, oral tablet and oral suspension form. Take a low-power dose and for a short duration. In adults the dosage recommended is 25 mg about three to four times a day in case of treatment of Pruritus.

For sedation in adults use about 50 to 100 mg (orally) and about 25 to 100 mg in the case of IM injection. Avoid alcohol while taking Hydroxyzine. In case of drug overdose contact your health care provider right away.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Hydroxyzine

    • Anxiety

      Hydroxyzine is used to relieve symptoms of anxiety and helps to calm down the patient.

    • Pruritus

      Hydroxyzine is used in the treatment of pruritus to reduce the itching of the skin.

    • Preoperative Sedation

      Hydroxyzine is used to induce sedation in preoperative patients.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Hydroxyzine ?

    • Allergy

      Not recommended in patients with known allergy to Hydroxyzine or to cetirizine.

    • Prolong Qt Interval

      Not recommended in patients with the history of QT interval prolongation and with any heart diseases.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Hydroxyzine ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Hydroxyzine

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The sedation effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 4 of 6 hours and 1 to 12 hours for antipruritic effect.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The effect of this medicine can be observed in 15 to 30 minutes after an oral dose.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendencies were reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Consumption of this medicine with alcohol may cause excessive drowsiness. Thus patient must avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      This medication may cause side effects that affect the alertness of the patient. Thus you might feel blurred vision or dizziness. Do not drive if you are taking this medicine and any of these symptoms occurs.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Caution must be taken in a patient with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medication.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      Caution must be taken in a patient with liver disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medication.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Hydroxyzine approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Hydroxyzine

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Hydroxyzine as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    Hydroxyzine belongs to the first generation antihistamine. It works by inhibiting the H1 receptor-mediated reactions like vasodilation and itchy reactions. It also acts on certain key regions of the subcortical area of the central nervous system and induces sedation and anticholinergic action.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Hydroxyzine ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it can result in dizziness and difficulty in concentration. Avoid activities that need mental alertness like driving and operating machinery.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Clozapine

        These medications may increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm and may cause symptoms of palpitations, breathing difficulty and dizziness. Monitoring of signs and symptoms and dose adjustments are to be made if coadministration is needed.

        Ketoconazole

        These medications may increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm and may cause symptoms of palpitations, breathing difficulty and dizziness. Monitoring of signs and symptoms and dose adjustments are to be made if coadministration is needed.

        Antihypertensives

        These medications should be used with caution as it may lower the blood pressure. Symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness should be reported to the doctor. The dose of any of these medicines should be adjusted based on the clinical condition.

        Fluoroquinolone antibiotics

        These medications may increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm and may cause symptoms of palpitations, breathing difficulty and dizziness. Inform the doctor if you are receiving any quinolone antibiotics. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Qt Prolongation

        This medicine is not recommended in patients with the history of QT prolongation with existing heart disease. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.
      • Interaction with Food

        Information not available.

      FAQs about Hydroxyzine

      • Ques : Is Hydroxyzine a steroid/ narcotic/ benzo/ pain killer /addictive?

        Ans : This drug is an antihistaminic drug and not a steroid/ narcotic/ benzo/ painkiller/ addictive. Patients are advised to follow the instructions of the doctor.

      • Ques : Is Hydroxyzine a controlled substance/ over the counter (OTC)?

        Ans : No, this drug is not a controlled substance. It is available from a pharmacy on providing a doctor's prescription.

      • Ques : What is Hydroxyzine?

        Ans : Hydroxyzine is an antidepressant and used to treat anxiety and tension in the patients.

      • Ques : What are the uses of Hydroxyzine?

        Ans : The primary use of this medicine includes- Anxiety, Pruritus and Preoperative sedation.

      • Ques : What are the side effects of Hydroxyzine?

        Ans : Dizziness, chest discomfort, constipation, headache, sedation, nausea, vomiting are the common side effects of this medication.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for storage and disposal of Hydroxyzine?

        Ans : This medicine should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.

      References

      • Hydroxyzine-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/hydroxyzine

      • Hydroxyzine-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00557

      • HYDROXYZINE syrup,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=HYDROXYZINE

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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