Hydroxyzine

Molecule Description

Hydroxyzine is an antihistaminic which is used to treat allergic reactions in a

dults and children.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Hydroxyzine

It used to relieve itching caused by allergies, urticaria, sneezing, running nose
It is also used in the treatment of anxiety in adults

Contraindications of Hydroxyzine

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 of Hydroxyzine

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 of Hydroxyzine

Pregnancy

Can I take Hydroxyzine during pregnancy?

Do not take Hydroxyzine if you are pregnant. A limited number of studies of this medicine suggest that there might be a correlation between its use in the first trimester of pregnancy and congenital abnormalities in the fetus.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Hydroxyzine while breastfeeding?

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

Can I drive if I have consumed Hydroxyzine?

Do not drive after taking Hydroxyzine as it may make you drowsy, sleepy and can make you feel less alert than usual.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Hydroxyzine?

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 of Hydroxyzine

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 reaction...

Interactions of Hydroxyzine

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

Interactions with food items

No information is available on interactions ofHydroxyzinewhen taken with food, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.

Dietary Restrictions of Hydroxyzine

No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are takingHydroxyzine, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Dosage of Hydroxyzine

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)

References

View All

Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

Share This With Your Friends

Recent articles

See All

High Cholesterol Diet – Foods to Eat & Avoid!

Introduction Heart disease is the primary cause of deaths around the world. Having too much cholesterol can lead to severe cardiac issues. Thankfully, you can control and reduce the cholesterol levels by watching what you eat, i.e. the right cholesterol foods. Everything that you ingest has an impact on your cholesterol levels. Here is our

Your Ultimate Guide To A Balanced Diet For Diabetes

Introduction Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting more than 100 million people in India. Diabetes occurs either due to insufficient insulin production, insulin resistance, or both which results in high levels of glucose in blood. Managing diabetes is crucial because uncontrolled diabetes can have serious complications like vision loss, kidney failure,

Benefits of Figs Soaked in Water Overnight: Exploring Nutritional Advantages

Key Highlights: Introduction Figs are versatile and scrumptious fruit that has been revered for its proposed nutritional benefits since ancient times. This little fruit, filled with a burst of sweetness, is a powerhouse of essential nutrients that may enhance your well-being. When soaked in water overnight, figs can make a valuable addition to your daily

Is Dry Ice Dangerous?

Introduction: Recently, dry ice has been in the news due to an unfortunate incident that occurred at a cafe in Gurugram, Haryana. Five diners unwittingly consumed dry ice, mistaking it for mouth freshener. As per news reports, the diners suffered serious injuries to their food pipe and oral cavity after accidentally ingesting the dry ice.

Bubonic Plague Reported: Are We In Danger?

Bubonic plague, which became notorious during the 14th Century in Europe and swept through India from the 1890s to 1910s, is caused by bacteria called Yersinia pestis. Contrary to popular belief, this plague isn’t caused by rat bites. The cause of bubonic plague is the bite of infected fleas. These fleas live in the hairs

Simple and Effective Skin Care Routine

Introduction Healthy skin is indicative of the quality of diet and lifestyle one follows. The largest organ of the human body and often overlooked, the skin acts as a barrier and prevents the external components from entering the inside of the body. This entails that, at times, it is exposed to critically harsh conditions, and

How to Save More on Heart Disease Medicines?

Introduction The heart is a vital organ of the body that literally keeps you alive. But several factors, such as lifestyle, comorbidities, and genetic predisposition, can put your heart health in jeopardy. Risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, aging, and lack of exercise can increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders. An article published

JN.1: The New COVID Variant Strikes As The Year Draws To A Close

Introduction As we enter the festive finale of 2023, a renewed surge in COVID cases in India prompts people to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour. On December 8th, Kerala reported its first infection from the SARS-CoV variant, JN.1. Discovered earlier in the year in the United States and China, this JN.1 strain is now classified by the

How To Save More on Blood Pressure Medicines?

Introduction High blood pressure or hypertension has been on the rise in India! If not managed well, it can increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks and other heart conditions. In 2015-16, 19% of men and 17% of women had hypertension, but in 2019-2020, this number has gone up to 24% and 21%, respectively. Hypertension

Do Hot Showers Do More Harm Than Good?

Introduction The temperature of water you shower with matters more than you can fathom. While many people prefer hot water showers as they help them shake the laziness away, some also prefer cold showers as it makes them more alert and ready to take on the day. Especially in the winter, when one usually lacks

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.