Hydroxyzine Solution

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): Atarax

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
• Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma
• Stomach or intestine problems
• Thyroid disease
• Trouble passing urine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to hydroxyzine, other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

People 65 years and older 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, such as phenobarbital
• Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin or clarithromycin
• Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
• Certain medications for bladder problems, such as oxybutynin or tolterodine
• Certain medications for irregular heartbeat
• Certain medications for mental health conditions
• Certain medications for Parkinson disease, such as benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
• Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital or primidone
• Certain medications for stomach problems, such as dicyclomine or hyoscyamine
• Certain medications for travel sickness, such as scopolamine
• Ipratropium
• Opioid medications for pain
• Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes, such as 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?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

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 eye drops may help. See your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

If you are receiving skin tests for allergies, tell your care team you are taking 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). 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.