Hydroxyzine is used for the short-term treatment of nervousness and tension that may occur with certain mental/mood disorders (e.g., anxiety, dementia). It is also used to help manage withdrawal symptoms (e.g., anxiety, agitation) in alcoholics. Other uses include helping to decrease anxiety and nausea before/after surgery or during childbirth or helping certain narcotic pain relievers (e.g., meperidine) work better.

Hydroxyzine belongs to a class of medications called antihistamines. It is thought to work by affecting certain natural substances (acetylcholine, serotonin) in your body or by acting directly on certain parts of the brain. Hydroxyzine also blocks a natural substance that your body makes during an allergic reaction (histamine).

Before using, check the product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

This medication is given by injection into a muscle as directed by your doctor. Avoid injection into a vein or under the skin.

Dosage is based on your age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.

Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To relieve dry mouth, suck on sugarless hard candy or ice chips, chew sugarless gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., worsening anxiety, confusion, hallucinations), shaking (tremor), trouble urinating, vision changes.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, seizure.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using hydroxyzine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema), a certain eye problem (glaucoma), heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, seizures, stomach/intestine problems (e.g., ulcer, blockage), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), urination problems (e.g., due to enlarged prostate, urinary retention).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit the use of alcohol and certain other medications that cause drowsiness. (See also Drug Interactions.)

To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially drowsiness and confusion.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its effects. In young children, this drug may cause agitation/excitement instead of drowsiness.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the last 6 months of pregnancy. It should not be used during the first 3 months of pregnancy due to possible harm to an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: anticholinergics (e.g., benztropine, trihexyphenidyl), antispasmodics (e.g., atropine, belladonna alkaloids), epinephrine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine), scopolamine, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline).

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, trazodone). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, allergy products, sleep medications) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (allergy skin tests, urine corticosteroids), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness/drowsiness.

Do not share this medication with others.

Do not use for several days before allergy testing because test results can be affected.

If you are receiving this medication on a regular schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised April 2009 Copyright(c) 2009 First DataBank, Inc.