Hytis

Indications

Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride is an older antihistamine (a medicine that blocks histamine, a chemical released in allergy). It is used to relieve itching from allergic skin conditions such as urticaria (hives) and eczema, for short-term relief of anxiety, and sometimes as a calming medicine before surgery.

How It Works

Hydroxyzine blocks histamine H1 receptors in the skin and elsewhere, which reduces itching and rash. It also acts on the brain, where it has a calming, sedating effect that helps with anxiety and sleep problems caused by itching.

Dosage and Administration

• Itching in adults: usually 25 mg at night, increased if needed to 25 mg 3 to 4 times a day, as prescribed.
• Anxiety in adults: usually 50 to 100 mg a day in divided doses, for short periods, as prescribed.
• Older adults: start with a lower dose; the maximum daily dose is usually 50 mg.
• Children: dose depends on weight and age, as prescribed by a doctor.

Take with or without food. Use the lowest dose that works for the shortest time.

Interactions

Hydroxyzine adds to the drowsiness caused by alcohol, sleeping tablets, opioid painkillers, Benzodiazepines and other sedating antihistamines. Avoid combining it with medicines that can affect heart rhythm (prolong the QT interval), such as Amiodarone, Erythromycin, Azithromycin, Haloperidol, Citalopram and Methadone. It may add to the dry mouth and constipation caused by anticholinergic medicines such as Amitriptyline.

Contraindications

Do not take if you are allergic to Hydroxyzine, Cetirizine or related medicines, if you have porphyria, or if you have a known heart rhythm problem (long QT) or risk factors for it such as very low potassium or a slow heart rate. Do not use in early pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Side Effects

• Drowsiness and tiredness
• Dry mouth
• Headache and dizziness
• Blurred vision, constipation or difficulty passing urine
• Confusion, especially in older people

Get urgent medical help if you have a fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat, fainting, fits, a widespread skin rash with pustules or blistering, or swelling of the face and difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Hydroxyzine should not be used in early pregnancy, and is used later in pregnancy only if a doctor decides it is necessary, as it can affect the newborn. It passes into breast milk and is not recommended during breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not drive or operate machines if you feel drowsy, and avoid alcohol. Use with care in older people, and in people with glaucoma, prostate enlargement, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, or liver or kidney disease. Stop taking it at least 5 days before allergy skin tests.

Overdose

Overdose can cause deep drowsiness, confusion, vomiting, fits, low blood pressure and dangerous heart rhythm problems. Seek emergency medical help immediately.

Therapeutic Class

Sedating antihistamine (H1 blocker) with anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) action.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.