Hydroxyzine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Hydroxyzine?

What is hydroxyzine for?

Hydroxyzine is a drug used to treat itching caused by allergies. It is an antihistamine and works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body creates during an allergic reaction. Hydroxyzine can also be used in the short term to treat anxiety or to help you feel sleepy / relaxed before or after surgery.

How do I use hydroxyzine?

Use this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times daily. If you are using the liquid form of this medicine, be careful to measure the dose using a special measuring device / spoon. Don't use a home spoon as you may not get the right dose.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. In children, the dosage can also be based on body weight. Do not increase your dose or use this medication more often than directed.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

How is hydroxyzine stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Hydroxyzine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for hydroxyzine for adults?

Adult Dose for Anxiety:

50 - 100 mg by mouth or IM injection 4 times a day.

Adult Dose for Pruritus:

For pruritus due to allergic conditions (chronic urticaria, atopic and contact dermatosis, or histamine-mediated pruritus): 25 mg orally or by IM injection 3-4 times a day.

Adult Dose for Sedation:

Before and after general anesthesia: 50 - 100 mg orally or by IM injection.

Adult Dose for Pain:

25 - 100 mg by IM injection before or after surgery or postpartum.

Adult Dose for Nausea / Vomiting:

25 - 100 mg by IM injection before or after surgery or postpartum.

What is the dose of hydroxyzine for children?

Children's Dose for Sedation:

As a sedative when used as a pre-treatment and following general anesthesia:
oral: 0.6 mg / kg / drug
intramuscular: 0.5 - 1 mg / kg / drug

Children's Dose for Anxiety:

For the reduction of anxiety and tension symptoms associated with psychoneurosis and in addition to central organic disease where anxiety is evident and in the management of pruritus due to allergic conditions such as chronic and atopic urticaria and contact dermatosis, and in histamine-mediated pruritus.
Less than 6 years: 50 mg orally per day of the drug in divided doses
6 years and over: 50 - 100 mg orally per day of the drug in divided doses

Alternative dosage:
Oral: 2 mg / kg / day divided every 6-8 hours
Intramuscular: 0.5 - 1 mg / kg / drug every 4-6 hours as needed

Children's Dose for Pruritus:

For the reduction of anxiety and tension symptoms associated with psychoneurosis and in addition to central organic disease where anxiety is evident and in the management of pruritus due to allergic conditions such as chronic and atopic urticaria and contact dermatosis, and in histamine-mediated pruritus.

Less than 6 years: 50 mg orally per day of the drug in divided doses
6 years and over: 50 - 100 mg orally per day of the drug in divided doses

Alternative dosage:
Oral: 2 mg / kg / day divided every 6-8 hours
Intramuscular: 0.5 - 1 mg / kg / drug every 4-6 hours as needed

Children's Dose for Nausea / Vomiting:

Intramuscular: 1.1 mg / kg / drug

In what dosage is hydroxyzine available?

• Capsule, Oral, as pamoate: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
• Solution, Intramuscular, as hydrochloride: 25 mg / mL (1 mL), 50 mg / mL (1 mL, 2 mL, 10 mL)
• Solution, Oral, as hydrochloride: 10 mg / 5 mL (473 mL)
• Syrup, Oral, as hydrochloride: 10 mg / 5 mL (118 mL, 473 mL)

Tablet, Oral, as hydrochloride: 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg

Hydroxyzine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to hydroxyzine?

Seek emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using hydroxyzine and call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects such as:

• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, chin, or neck
• tremor (uncontrollable vibration)
• confused
• convulsions (convulsions)

Less serious side effects can include:

• dizziness, drowsiness
• blurred vision, dry mouth
• headache

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you are concerned about the side effects, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Hydroxyzine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using hydroxyzine?

Before using hydroxyzine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to hydroxyzine, any other drug, or any ingredient in hydroxyzine. Ask the pharmacist for a list of ingredients
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are using or plan to use. Be sure to mention some of the following drugs: antihistamines; cold, allergy, or hay fever medicine; depression or seizure medication; muscle relaxants; narcotics (pain medication); sedatives; sleeping pills; and sedative. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medication or watch you closely for side effects
• tell your doctor if you have or have had asthma, glaucoma, ulcers, difficulty passing stools (due to an enlarged prostate gland), heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, seizures, or an overactive thyroid gland
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using hydroxyzine, call your doctor
• talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using hydroxyzine if you are 65 years of age or older. Younger adults should not be accustomed to using hydroxyzine because it is not as safe as other drugs that can be used to treat the same condition.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking hydroxyzine
• You should know that this drug can make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• ask your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are using this medication. Alcohol can make hydroxyzine side effects worse.

Is hydroxyzine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Hydroxyzine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with hydroxyzine?

Interactions with other drugs can affect how the drug works and increase the risk of dangerous side effects. This article does not list all possible drug interactions. Record all medicinal products you use (including prescription, non-prescription and herbal medicines) and show them to your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's permission.

Before using hydroxyzine, tell your doctor if you regularly take other drugs that make you fall asleep (such as cold or allergy medications, sedative pills, pain medications, sleeping pills, muscle stretchers, and medications for seizures, depression, or anxiety), because they can. increase the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Can food or alcohol interact with hydroxyzine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with hydroxyzine?

The presence of other medical problems can affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, specifically:

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder
• asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems
• glaucoma
• heart disease or high blood pressure
• stomach ulcers, obstruction in the stomach or intestines
• thyroid disorders
• enlarged prostate or problems with passing stool
• liver disease
• Kidney illness

Hydroxyzine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.