What is Hydroxyzine?
Hydroxyzine, an antihistamine, reduces the effects that histamine has on the body. Histamine can cause symptoms such as hives or itching on the skin. Hydroxyzine is used to treat allergic reactions on the skin, such as hives and contact dermatitis.It can also be used to reduce anxiety and tension, as it decreases the activity of the central nervous system. It can also be used in conjunction with other medications during and after general sedation.Hydroxyzine can also be used to treat allergic reactions on the skin, such as hives and contact dermatitis.
Side effects of Hydroxyzine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, or hives, seek immediate medical attention.In rare instances, hydroxyzine can cause severe skin reactions. If you experience sudden redness of the skin or a rash with white or yellow pustules, blisters, or peeling, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor immediately.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using hydroxyzine immediately and contact your doctor.
- Fast or pounding heartbeats
- Headache with chest pain
- Severe dizziness, fainting,
- A seizure (convulsions).
Older adults may experience side effects like drowsiness or confusion.
Some of the most common side effects associated with hydroxyzine include:
- Drowsiness;
- Headache;
- Dry mouth
- Skin rash.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Reaching out to the FDA can be done at 1-800-FDA-1088 if there are adverse side effects from any medication or other products you've used.
Warnings
Hydroxyzine may cause birth defects. Consult your doctor before taking hydroxyzine while pregnant or nursing.Hydroxyzine may cause serious heart problems, especially if certain medications are taken at the same time. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you have started or stopped using.This medication can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness.If you experience a serious side effect such as tremors or confusion, seizures, or restless movements of your tongue, jaw, or neck, stop using the medicine immediately and contact your doctor.Alcohol can enhance certain side effects from hydroxyzine.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to hydroxyzine, or:
- You have QT-long syndrome.
- You are allergic to levocetirizine, cetirizine, or both (Xyzal).
Hydroxyzine can harm an unborn child or cause birth defects. Consult your doctor before taking hydroxyzine while pregnant.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medication is safe for you:
- Blockage of the digestive tract (stomach, intestines)
- Other urination issues or bladder obstruction
- Glaucoma;
- Heart disease is characterized by slow heartbeats.
- Personal or Family History of Long QT Syndrome
- An electrolyte imbalance is a condition where there is a high or low potassium level in the blood.
- If you've recently suffered a heart attack,
It is unknown if hydroxyzine can pass into breast milk or if it will harm a baby who is nursing. Speak to your doctor if you plan on breastfeeding while taking this medication.Do not administer this medicine to an infant without consulting a doctor.
Similar/related drugs
Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Trazodone, Tramadol, Escitalopram, Duloxetine, and Alprazolam
How to take Hydroxyzine?
Follow the directions on your prescription label. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally alter your dosage. Use this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or use it for too long.Just before measuring a dose, shake the liquid oral suspension. Use the provided dosing syringe or a dose-measuring cup or spoon to measure liquid medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you don't have a device for measuring doses.Hydroxyzine should only be used for a short time.Do not take this medication for longer than four months. If your anxiety symptoms don't improve or worsen, call your doctor.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you become aware, take the missed dose immediately. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching quickly, simply skip it altogether - don't take additional medicine to make up for a missed one.
What happens if I overdose?
Reach out for assistance immediately or dial 1-800-222-1222 if a poison occurs in the environment.Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, uncontrolled muscle movements, or seizures (convulsions).
What should be avoided?
This medicine can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness.Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication.
Interaction with other drug
This effect can be worsened by taking this medication with other drugs that make you sleepy. You should consult your doctor before combining hydroxyzine and sleeping pills, narcotic pain medicines, muscle relaxers, anxiety, depression, or seizure medications.Hydroxyzine may cause a serious problem with your heart, especially if certain medications are taken at the same time. These include antibiotics, antidepressants, and heart rhythm medicines. They can also be combined with medicines used to treat HIV, malaria, or cancer. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you take, including those you stop or start using while taking this medication.Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact with hydroxyzine. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your healthcare providers of all medications you are currently taking and those you plan to start or stop.
