Hydroxyzine reduces activity in the central nervous system. It also acts as an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing and runny nose, or hives on the skin.
Hydroxyzine is used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. It is also used together with other medications given for anesthesia. Hydroxyzine may also be used to control nausea and vomiting.
Hydroxyzine is also used to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis.
Important information
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydroxyzine, or if you are pregnant.
Before you take hydroxyzine, tell your doctor if you have a seizure disorder, liver disease, or kidney disease.
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Stop using hydroxyzine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as tremors, confusion, seizures, or restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of hydroxyzine.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydroxyzine, or if you are pregnant.
To make sure you can safely take hydroxyzine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
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asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem;
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glaucoma;
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heart disease or high blood pressure;
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stomach ulcer, blockage in your stomach or intestines;
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thyroid disorder;
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enlarged prostate or problems with urination;
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liver disease; or
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kidney disease.
Do not use hydroxyzine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether hydroxyzine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.
How should I take hydroxyzine?
Take hydroxyzine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, feeling like you might pass out.
What should I avoid?
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of hydroxyzine.
Hydroxyzine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to hydroxyzine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using hydroxyzine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
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tremor (uncontrolled shaking);
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confusion; or
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seizure (convulsions).
Less serious hydroxyzine side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
Hydroxyzine dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety:
50 to 100 mg orally or by IM injection 4 times a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Pruritus:
For pruritus due to an allergic condition (chronic urticaria, atopic and contact dermatoses, or histamine mediated pruritus):
25 mg orally or by IM injection 3 to 4 times a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Sedation:
Before and after general anesthesia:
50 to 100 mg orally or by IM injection.
Usual Adult Dose for Pain:
25 to 100 mg by IM injection pre- or postoperatively or postpartum.
Usual Adult Dose for Nausea/Vomiting:
25 to 100 mg by IM injection pre- or postoperatively or postpartum.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Sedation:
As a sedative when used as a premedication and following general anesthesia:
oral: 0.6 mg/kg/dose
intramuscular: 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/dose
Usual Pediatric Dose for Anxiety:
For symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis and as an adjunct in organic disease states in which anxiety is manifested and in the management of pruritus due to allergic conditions such as chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses, and in histamine mediated pruritus:
less than 6 years of age:
50 mg orally per day in divided doses
6 years and older:
50 to 100 mg orally per day in divided doses
Alternative dosing:
Oral: 2 mg/kg/day divided every 6 to 8 hours
Intramuscular: 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/dose every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Usual Pediatric Dose for Pruritus:
For symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis and as an adjunct in organic disease states in which anxiety is manifested and in the management of pruritus due to allergic conditions such as chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses, and in histamine mediated pruritus:
less than 6 years of age:
50 mg orally per day in divided doses
6 years and older:
50 to 100 mg orally per day in divided doses
Alternative dosing:
Oral: 2 mg/kg/day divided every 6 to 8 hours
Intramuscular: 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/dose every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Usual Pediatric Dose for Nausea/Vomiting:
intramuscular: 1.1 mg/kg/dose
What other drugs will affect hydroxyzine?
Before using hydroxyzine, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by this medicine.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with hydroxyzine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
