Hydroxyzine

Generic Name : Hydroxyzine

Pronunciation : (hye drox' i zeen)

TradeName : Atarax, Atarax INJ

Overview : It is an antihistamine having antiemetic, sedative, anticholinergic and local anaesthetic properties. The medication comes in the form of 10,25 mg tablets and 15,100 ml suspension.

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Hydroxyzine is used to calm people who are anxious or tense because of a nervous or an emotional condition. It also relieves itching caused by allergies and controls nausea and vomiting caused by various conditions, including motion sickness.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications) : Contraindicated in the case of pregnancy, lactation and renal disease.

When it is to be taken : Hydroxyzine usually is taken three or four times a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.

Missed a Dose? : 
If you forget to take a dose, omit the missed dose completely. Take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

How it should be taken : Hydroxyzine comes in the form of capsules, tablets, and oral liquid i.e., syrup and suspension. Your prescription label tells you how much to take each time. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose of the liquid.

Its onset of action is 15-30 minutes.The duration of action is 4 to 6 hours. The medication should be taken orally by mouth.

In case of pruritis 25 mg is given 3 to 4 times daily, anxiety-50-100 mg 4 times daily.

Special Instruction : 

1. Hydroxyzine can decrease mental alertness and physical coordination. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
2. Drink extra fluids, chew sugarless gum, or suck ice or sugarless hard candies.

Side Effects : 

Dry mouth, bitter taste, Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, muscle incoordination, slurred speech, headache, increased anxiety, reddening of skin, epigastric disorders, nausea, Wheezing, chest tightness impaired alertness are the side effects of this drug.
Contact your doctor if these effects persist.

Other Precautions : 

1. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
2. Before you take hydroxyzine, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, medication for depression or seizures, pain medication, antihistamines, and medication for colds, allergies, or hay fever.
3. Before you take hydroxyzine, tell your doctor if you are pregnantor breast-feeding or if you have asthma, glaucoma, ulcers, difficulty urinating, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, or an overactive thyroid gland.
4. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions : 
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.