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 treat itching from allergies and other causes (e.g., reactions to certain drugs). It may also be used to help you feel calmer before/after surgery, or to help certain narcotic pain relievers (e.g., meperidine) work better.

Hydroxyzine belongs to a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Its other effects (e.g., calming, pain relief) may work by affecting other natural substances (e.g., acetylcholine, serotonin) or by acting directly on certain parts of the brain.

Take this medication by mouth as needed, usually three or four times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking the syrup, measure the dose carefully using a special medication spoon or a kitchen measuring spoon.

Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy. In children, dosage may also be based on body weight. Take this medication as directed. Do not take more medication or take it more often than prescribed.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify 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 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 rare but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., worsening anxiety, confusion, hallucinations), shaking (tremor), decreased/painful urination, vision changes.

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

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: 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 taking hydroxyzine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to cetirizine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

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

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 alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

Liquid forms of this medication may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its effects. This drug can often cause excitement in young children instead of drowsiness.

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.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antispasmodics (e.g., atropine, belladonna alkaloids), epinephrine, MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine), drugs for Parkinson's disease (e.g., anticholinergics such as benztropine, trihexyphenidyl), 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 drowsiness-causing ingredients or other antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (allergy skin tests, urine corticosteroids), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and 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. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe/prolonged drowsiness.

Do not share this medication with others.

If you are taking this medication on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take 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 in a tightly closed container at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication. 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 December 2011. Copyright(c) 2011 First Databank, Inc.