Hydroxyzine Capsules or Tablets

What is this medication?

HYDROXYZINE (hye DROX i zeen) treats the symptoms of allergies and allergic reactions. It may also be used to treat anxiety or cause drowsiness before a procedure. It works by blocking histamine, a substance released by the body during an allergic reaction. It belongs to a group of medications called antihistamines.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): ANX, Atarax, Rezine, Vistaril

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Glaucoma
• Heart disease
• History of irregular heartbeat
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• Stomach or intestine problems
• Thyroid disease
• Trouble passing urine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to hydroxyzine, cetirizine, other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medication with food or on an empty stomach. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cisapride
• Dronedarone
• Pimozide
• Thioridazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
• Atropine
• Barbiturate medications for sleep or seizures, like phenobarbital
• Certain antibiotics like erythromycin or clarithromycin
• Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
• Certain medications for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
• Certain medications for depression or psychotic disturbances
• Certain medications for irregular heart beat
• Certain medications for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
• Certain medications for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone
• Certain medications for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
• Certain medications for travel sickness like scopolamine
• Ipratropium
• Narcotic medications for pain
• Other medications that prolong the QT interval (which can cause an abnormal heart rhythm) like dofetilide

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not improve.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye care specialist if the problem does not go away or is severe.

If you are receiving skin tests for allergies, tell your care team you are using this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Hallucinations
• Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.