Hydroxyzine (By mouth)

Hydroxyzine (hye-DROX-i-zeen)

Treats anxiety, nausea, vomiting, allergies, skin rash, hives, and itching. May also be used with anesthesia for medical procedures.

Brand Name(s):

Vistaril

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake well just before use.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how hydroxyzine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Droperidol, methadone, ondansetron, pentamidine
  • Antibiotic (including azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin)
  • Medicine to treat depression (including citalopram, fluoxetine)
  • Medicine to treat heart rhythm problems (including amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)
  • Medicine to treat mental health problems (including chlorpromazine, clozapine, iloperidone, quetiapine, ziprasidone)
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, heart failure, a slow heartbeat, skin problems, or had a recent heart attack.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Heart rhythm problems, including QT prolongation
  • Serious skin reaction, including acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, skin rash
• Severe tiredness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness, sleepiness
• Dry mouth

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

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

Last Updated: 4/23/2024