Details

Hydroxyzine reduces activity in the central nervous system. It also acts as an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing and runny nose, or hives on the skin. Hydroxyzine is used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. It is also used together with other medications given for anaesthesia. Hydroxyzine may also be used to control nausea and vomiting. Hydroxyzine is also used to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis. Before you take hydroxyzine, tell your doctor if you have a seizure disorder, liver disease, or kidney disease. Do not use hydroxyzine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant.

Typical Uses

Hydroxyzine is used to treat itching caused by allergies. It is an antihistamine and works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Hydroxyzine may also be used short-term to treat anxiety or to help you feel sleepy or relaxed before and after surgery.

Side Effects

Stop using hydroxyzine and inform your doctor immediately if you have restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck tremor (uncontrolled shaking) confusion or seizure (convulsions).

Drug Interactions

• Hydroxyzine+propoxyphene- Using propoxyphene together with hydroxyzine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should take propoxyphene exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take larger doses or use the drug more frequently than prescribed. Misuse of propoxyphene can lead to serious side effects including death.
• Hydroxyzine+ceritinib- Using ceritinib together with hydroxyzine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.
• Hydroxyzine+fingolimod- Before starting fingolimod, let your doctor know if you are currently receiving treatment with hydroxyzine. Using fingolimod in this situation can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. This is most likely to occur early on after you start treatment with fingolimod, especially within the first 20 hours after the first dose. You may also be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

Mechanism of action

Hydroxyzine belongs to the group of medicines called antihistamines with anti-muscarinic and sedative properties. It acts by inhibiting histamine receptor-mediated reactions, such as vasodilation, flare and itch reactions and sneezing.

Pregnancy Category : C