Hydroxyzine is a medication that treats the symptoms of allergies and allergic reactions. It may also be used to treat anxiety. It works by blocking histamine, a substance released by the body during an allergic reaction. It’s a type of antihistamine. It may cause drowsiness.
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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.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Atarax
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure every dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. 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 2 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
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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.
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.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
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.
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.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. 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.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.