Hydroxyzine (
Atarax®,
Vistaril®) is a prescription medication commonly used to treat itching and to improve the effectiveness of opioid pain relievers, although it is approved for other uses as well.
Just like any medicine, hydroxyzine may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.
Some of the possible side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click Hydroxyzine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking hydroxyzine if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How Does Hydroxyzine Work?
Hydroxyzine belongs to a group of medications known as first-generation (sedating) antihistamines. It works to treat itching by blocking histamine receptors. Its anti-
anxiety activity is probably due to its effects in certain parts of the brain. Hydroxyzine can also cause relaxation of skeletal muscles.
In addition, this medicine has anticholinergic activity, which means that it blocks acetylcholine receptors and is probably why it helps to alleviate nausea.
When and How to Take Hydroxyzine
Some general considerations for those taking hydroxyzine include the following:
- Hydroxyzine comes in tablet, capsule, syrup, oral suspension (liquid), and injectable forms. It is usually taken by mouth two to four times daily.
- You can take this medication with or without food.
- Make sure to shake hydroxyzine oral suspension well before each dose.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
The dose of hydroxyzine your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age and weight (for children)
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
People who take an overdose of this medicine may experience effects such as (but not limited to):
- Extreme drowsiness
- Seizures
- Nausea and vomiting.
If you happen to take too much hydroxyzine, seek immediate medical attention.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Hydroxyzine?
If you forget to take a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, simply skip the one you missed and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of hydroxyzine.
How Should This Medication Be Stored?
Hydroxyzine products should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children and pets.
Brand-name
Atarax was made by Pfizer, Inc., although it is no longer available. Brand-name
Vistaril is made by Pfizer, Inc. Generic versions of both medications are available and are made by various manufacturers.
Hydroxyzine hydrochloride is available in the following strengths and forms:
- Hydroxyzine hydrochloride 10 mg tablets
- Hydroxyzine hydrochloride 25 mg tablets
- Hydroxyzine hydrochloride 50 mg tablets
- Hydroxyzine hydrochloride 10 mg per 5 mL syrup
- Hydroxyzine hydrochloride 25 mg per mL intramuscular injection solution
- Hydroxyzine hydrochloride 50 mg per mL intramuscular injection solution.
Hydroxyzine pamoate is available in the following strengths and forms:
- Hydroxyzine pamoate 25 mg capsules
- Hydroxyzine pamoate 50 mg capsules
- Hydroxyzine pamoate 100 mg capsules
- Hydroxyzine pamoate 25 mg per 5 mL oral suspension.
For most practical purposes, there are no important differences between hydroxyzine hydrochloride and hydroxyzine pamoate.
Is There a Generic Version?
