Hydroxyzine reduces activity in the central nervous system. It also acts as an antihistamine that
reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing and
runny nose, or hives on the skin.
Hydroxyzine is used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. It is also used together with
other medications given for anesthesia. Hydroxyzine may also be used to control nausea and vomiting.
Hydroxyzine is also used to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis.
Hydroxyzine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydroxyzine?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydroxyzine, or if you are pregnant.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use
this medication. Before you take hydroxyzine, tell your doctor if you have:
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem;
glaucoma;
heart disease or high blood pressure;
stomach ulcer, blockage in your stomach or intestines;
thyroid disorder;
enlarged prostate or problems with urination;
liver disease; or
kidney disease.
FDA pregnancy category D.
Do not use hydroxyzine
without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective
birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether hydroxyzine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.
How should I take hydroxyzine?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or
for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon.
If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Store hydroxyzine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of hydroxyzine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait
until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra medicine
to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about hydroxyzine?
Your pharmacist has information about hydroxyzine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of hydroxyzine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using hydroxyzine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such
as:
restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
tremor (uncontrolled shaking);
confusion; or
seizure (convulsions).
Less serious side effects may include:
dizziness, drowsiness;
blurred vision, dry mouth; or
headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about hydroxyzine?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydroxyzine, or if you are pregnant.
Before you take hydroxyzine, tell your doctor if you have a seizure disorder, liver disease, or
kidney disease.
Hydroxyzine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Stop using hydroxyzine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such
as tremors, confusion, seizures, or restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of hydroxyzine.
What should I avoid while taking hydroxyzine?
Hydroxyzine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of hydroxyzine.
What other drugs will affect hydroxyzine?
Before using hydroxyzine, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make
you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle
relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by
hydroxyzine.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with hydroxyzine. Tell
your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your
doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of hydroxyzine?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009