Hydroxyzine
Description
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine used to manage allergic conditions, including i
tching, rashes, redness, swelling, and scaly skin patches. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body responsible for allergic reactions. Hydroxyzine helps relieve symptoms of allergic skin disorders. It should be used with caution in elderly patients, as side effects like dizziness or drowsiness may be more pronounced. Before starting this medicine, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, or have any significant medical conditions, as it can cross the placenta and may not be safe during pregnancy.
Uses
- It used to relieve itching caused by allergies, urticaria, sneezing, running nose
- It is also used in the treatment of anxiety in adults
Contraindications
When should one not use Hydroxyzine
- If you are allergic to Hydroxyzine or Cetirizine, other Piperazine derivatives, Aminophylline or Ethylenediamine
- If you have any heart problems or if your heart rate is low
- If you have low potassium or magnesium salts level in body
- If you have had any past medical or family history of heart disease
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Feeling sleepy
- Dry mouth
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Dizziness,drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw or neck
- Tremors (uncontrolled shaking)
- Confusion
- Fits
- Constipation
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Hydroxyzine during pregnancy?
A:
Do not take Hydroxyzine if you are pregnant. Always consult a doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Hydroxyzine while breastfeeding?
A:
It is unknown if Hydroxyzine is excreted into breast milk. It can cause excessive sleepiness in the breastfed babies, hence should be avoided in breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Hydroxyzine?
A:
Do not drive after taking Hydroxyzine as it may make you drowsy, sleepy and can make you feel less alert than usual.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Hydroxyzine?
A:
Do not take alcohol along with Hydroxyzine as it can result in excessive sleepiness and drowsiness.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have heart problems, glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), fits
- You experience palpitations, trouble breathing, loss of consciousness while taking this medicine then immediately seek medical attention
- You have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- You have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder)
- You have digestive system or stomach problems, difficulty in passing water e.g. due to an enlarged prostate
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Histamine is a substance produced by the body. Hydroxyzine blocks the effect of these substances and controls allergy symptoms like itching, running nose, etc. It is mainly used for allergic reactions....
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Medicines for bacterial infections (antibiotics like Erythromycin, Moxifloxacin, Levofloxacin)
- Medicines for heart problems or high blood pressure (like Amiodarone, Quinidine, Disopyramide, Sotalol)
- Medicines for psychoses (like Haloperidol)
- Medicines for depression (like Citalopram, Escitalopram)
- Medicines for gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. Prucalopride)
- Medicines for allergy
- Medicines for malaria (e.g. Mefloquine)
- Medicines for cancer (e.g. Toremifene, Vandetanib)
- Betahistine used to treat Meniere's disease
Dosage
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include slowing down the central nervous system, unconsciousness, nausea or vomiting. Call the doctor immediately if you suspect you have overdosed.
Missed a Dose
Do not take the double dose if you miss any dose. Try to take the missed dose as soon as possible unless it is almost time to the next dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Arpit Verma
MBBS, MD, CCEBDM Diabetology
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Hydroxyzine used for?
A: Hydroxyzine is used to relieve allergic symptoms such as itching, rashes, redness, swelling, and scaly skin patches. It works by blocking histamine, the chemical responsible for allergy reactions. This helps improve comfort and reduce irritation caused by allergies. Always use it as prescribed by your doctor.
Q: Can Hydroxyzine cause drowsiness?
- Yes, Hydroxyzine may cause drowsiness or dizziness, especially in elderly patients. Avoid driving or operating machinery after taking it until you know how it affects you. Consult your doctor if drowsiness is severe or persistent....
Q: Is Hydroxyzine safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
- Hydroxyzine should not be used during pregnancy as it can cross the placenta and may harm the baby. It should also be avoided while breastfeeding unless prescribed by your doctor. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking it....
Q: Can Hydroxyzine interact with other medicines?
- Yes, Hydroxyzine can interact with sleeping pills, sedatives, anti-anxiety medicines, and alcohol, increasing drowsiness or dizziness. Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking before starting Hydroxyzine....
Q: Can Hydroxyzine be used in elderly patients?
- Yes, but with caution, as elderly patients may be more sensitive to side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion. Your doctor may start with a lower dose and monitor you closely. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you....
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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