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HYDROXYZINE
MDAdvice.com Home > Health Library > Drugs >

Brand & Generic Names

Anxanil Quiess
Apo-Hydroxyzine T.E.H. Tablets
Atarax Vamate
E-Vista Vistaject
Hydroxacen Vistaquel
Hyzine Vistaril
Multipax Vistazine
Novohydroxyzin


Basic Information

  • Habit forming? No
  • Prescription needed? Yes
  • Available as generic? Yes
  • Drug class: Tranquilizer, antihistamine

Uses

  • Treatment for anxiety, tension and agitation.
  • Relieves itching from allergic reactions.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet, syrup or capsule--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet or open capsule and take with liquid or food.
Liquid--If desired, dilute dose in beverage before swallowing.

When to take:
At the same times each day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
May reduce activity in areas of the brain that influence emotional stability.

Time lapse before drug works:
15 to 30 minutes.

Don't take with:
Non-prescription drugs without consulting doctor.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.


Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Drowsiness, unsteadiness, agitation, purposeless movements, tremor, convulsions.

WHAT TO DO:

  • Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
  • See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

    In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

    Drowsiness, difficult urination, dry mouth.

Infrequent:

    Headache.

Rare:

    Tremor, rash.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to any antihistamine.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

  • If you have epilepsy.
  • If you will have surgery within 2 months, including dental surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.

Over age 60:

  • Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.
  • Drug likely to increase urination difficulty caused by enlarged prostate gland.

Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Animal studies show fetal abnormalities. Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision.

Prolonged use:
Tolerance develops and reduces effectiveness.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:
No problems expected.


Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------ -----------------------
Antidepressants, Increased effect
tricyclic (TCA)* of both drugs.
Antihistamines* Increased hydroxyzine effect.
Attapulgite Decreased hydroxyzine effect.
Carteolol Decreased antihistamine effect.
Central nervous system Greater depression of central
(CNS) depressants* nervous system.
Clozapine Toxic effect on the central nervous
system.
Dronabinol Increased effects of both drugs.
Avoid.
Ethinamate Dangerous increased effects of
ethinamate. Avoid combining.
Fluoxetine Increased depressant effects of
both drugs.
Guanfacine May increase depressant effects of
either drug.
Leucovorin High alcohol content of leucovorin
may cause adverse effects.
Methyprylon Increased sedative effect, perhaps
to dangerous level. Avoid.
Nabilone Greater depression of central
nervous system.
Narcotics* Increased effect of both drugs.
Pain relievers* Increased effect of both drugs.
Sedatives* Increased effect of both drugs.
Sertraline Increased depressive effects of
both drugs.
Sleep inducers* Increased effect of both drugs.
Sotalol Increased antihistamine effect.
Tranquilizers* Increased effect of both drugs.


Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH COMBINED EFFECT
--------------- ---------------
Alcohol: Increased sedation and
intoxication. Use with caution.
Caffeine drinks. Decreased tranquilizer effect of
hydroxyzine.
Cocaine: Decreased hydroxyzine effect.
Avoid.
Foods: None expected.
Marijuana: None expected.
Tobacco: None expected.




Send This Article to a Friend Return to Health Library Main Page
From Complete Guide to Prescription & Non-Prescription Drugs by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. Copyright by The Putnam Berkley Group, Inc. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.

 

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