Generic Name: hydroxyzine (hye DROX ee zeen)
Brand Names: Vistaril
What is hydroxyzine?
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 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 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:
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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?
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.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, feeling like you might pass out.
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.
Hydroxyzine side effects
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 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.
More Atarax resources
- Atarax Side Effects (in more detail)
- Atarax Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Atarax Drug Interactions
- Atarax Support Group
- 27 Reviews for Atarax - Add your own review/rating
- Atarax Consumer Overview
- Atarax MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Atarax Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Hydroxyzine Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Hydroxyzine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Hydroxyzine Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Vistaril Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Vistaril Consumer Overview
Compare Atarax with other medications
- Allergic Urticaria
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Pain
- Pruritus
- Sedation
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about hydroxyzine.
See also: Atarax side effects (in more detail)
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