These uses may vary, depending on the specific hydroxyzine product prescribed. Hydroxyzine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines.
- The generic name, hydroxyzine, refers to the active ingredient in the medication, while brand names like Vistaril and Atarax are the commercially marketed versions.
- These are not all of the side effects that may occur.
- While some are mild and common, others are rare but potentially serious.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
People who are 65 years and older can be at greater risk of some side effects from hydroxyzine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group. Do not use hydroxyzine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Hydroxyzine injection can cause severe irritation and damage to tissues where it is injected.
Hydroxyzine forms
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of hydroxyzine, including its strengths and how to take the medication. See this other article for a more comprehensive look at hydroxyzine oral tablet. You likely won’t take hydroxyzine oral tablets long term. This drug should only be taken as long as it’s needed. And for treating anxiety, hydroxyzine has not been studied for more than 4 months of use. Your doctor will tell you how long you’ll need to take hydroxyzine.
What are the serious side effects of hydroxyzine?
Hydroxyzine products taken by mouth should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). They can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting them. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication. Send a note of thanks to Mayo Clinic researchers who are revolutionizing healthcare and improving patient outcomes. It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to use it.
However, doctors sometimes prescribe hydroxyzine off label for this use. Off-label use is when doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. It is not known if hydroxyzine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop hydroxyzine. Some people who have used hydroxyzine have reported having convulsions, also known as seizures.
Serious Side Effects of Hydroxyzine (Rare)
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of hydroxyzine in the elderly. Do not take more hydroxyzine than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to learn more about off-label uses for hydroxyzine and possible doses, such as a dose for aiding sleep.
Hydroxyzine in Pregnancy
Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Contact your doctor right away if you have any changes to your heart rhythm. You might feel dizzy or faint, or you might have a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat. Make sure your doctor knows if you or anyone in your family has ever had a heart rhythm problem such as QT prolongation. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible.
If you have questions, our telemedicine providers are here to help. Recent studies have focused on Hydroxyzine’s safety profile, particularly its potential to cause changes in heart rhythm, known as QT prolongation. While Hydroxyzine remains effective for conditions such as anxiety and itching, it should be used with caution in individuals who are at risk for heart-related issues. Additionally, ongoing research is exploring its use in combination with other medications to enhance its effectiveness for anxiety and sleep disorders.
The recommended hydroxyzine dosage for sedation in children is 0.6 mg per kilogram (kg) body weight, or 0.6 mg/kg. (One kg equals about 2.2 pounds.) This dose will be given once before the procedure. Tell your health care Hydroxyzine guide provider if you have any heart problems, including heart disease, a prior heart attack, heart failure, or heart rhythm problems. Also tell your health care provider if you have a family history of heart rhythm problems.
This medicine is also used to relieve symptoms of allergic conditions (eg, chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses). Hydroxyzine injection is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving hydroxyzine injection as scheduled. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use hydroxyzine later in pregnancy.
- Your health care provider will let you know if you should use hydroxyzine later in pregnancy.
- Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients.
- Hydroxyzine is also used to cause sedation before or after surgery.
- Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
- Our telemedicine providers are available to address your concerns.
Avoiding known irritants and switching to hypoallergenic skin care products may also help prevent flare-ups and improve skin health. For nausea and vomiting, medications like ondansetron (Zofran) are commonly used. Natural remedies, such as ginger supplements or ginger tea, may also provide relief.
Hydroxyzine Dosage for Anxiety
Hydroxyzine is used to cause sedation (sleepiness and relaxation) before or after surgery. The typical hydroxyzine dosage for this use in adults is 50 to 100 mg. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases.
