Generic name: hydroxyzine [ hye-DROX-ee-zeen ]
Brand names: ANX, Vistaril, Atarax, Vistaril IM, Hyzine, Vistaject-50, Rezine
Drug classes:Antihistamines, Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics
What is hydroxyzine?
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of itching, or hives on the skin. Hydroxyzine may be used to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis.
Since hydroxyzine also reduces activity in the central nervous system, it can be used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. It is also used together with other medications given during and after general anesthesia.
Hydroxyzine is also used to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis.
Warnings
Hydroxyzine may cause birth defects. Talk to you doctor before using hydroxyzine if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Hydroxyzine can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using.
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Stop using this medicine 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 hydroxyzine if you are allergic to it, or if:
you have long QT syndrome;
you are allergic to cetirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal); or
Hydroxyzine could h...
