hydroxyzine

What is the most important information I should know about hydroxyzine?

Hydroxyzine can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using.

What is hydroxyzine?

Hydroxyzine reduces activity in the central nervous system. It also acts as an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of itching, 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 during and after general anesthesia.

Hydroxyzine is also used to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis.

Hydroxyzine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydroxyzine?

• you have long QT syndrome;
• you are allergic to cetirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal); or
• you are in the first trimester of pregnancy.

To make sure hydroxyzine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
• bladder obstruction or other urination problems;
• glaucoma;
• heart disease, slow heartbeats;
• personal or family history of long QT syndrome;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low levels of potassium in your blood);
• if you have recently had a heart attack.

How should I take hydroxyzine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Hydroxyzine is for short-term use only.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, uncontrolled muscle movements, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking hydroxyzine?

What are the possible side effects of hydroxyzine?

• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• headache with chest pain;
• severe dizziness, fainting; or
• a seizure (convulsions).

Side effects such as drowsiness and confusion may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• drowsiness;
• headache;
• dry mouth; or
• skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect hydroxyzine?

Hydroxyzine can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time, including antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medicine, antipsychotic medicines, and medicines to treat cancer, malaria, HIV or AIDS. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with hydroxyzine.

Other drugs may interact with hydroxyzine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about hydroxyzine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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