Hydroxyzine belongs to a group of medicines called sedating antihistamines.

The main use of Hydroxyzine is to help in the treatment of anxiety. The way in which Hydroxyzine works in this condition is not fully known. It is thought to decrease the activity of certain areas in the brain and thereby relieve anxiety.

Hydroxyzine serves as an antihistamine for itchy eyes, nose and sneezing. Hydroxyzine also relieves itching of the skin and hives.

Hydroxyzine may be helpful

Histamine is a chemical produced by the body. It is stored in cells (mast cells) in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (an allergen e.g. flower pollen), the mast cells release their stores of histamine.

Histamine may then bind to receptors (H-1 receptors) in many areas of the body causing an increase in blood flow to the area of the allergy and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response. This stimulates the symptoms of an allergic reaction such as inflammation of the skin, airways or tissues, rashes, itching of the skin,

When treatment begins with injections, it can be continued in tablet form.

Your doctor will adjust your dosage based on your response to Hydroxyzine. Due to an increased risk of drowsiness, older adults usually start at the low end of the dosage range.

FOR ANXIETY AND TENSION

Adults
The usual dose is 50 to 100 milligrams of Hydroxyzine 4 times per day.

Children
Children under Age 6
The total dose is 50 milligrams of Hydroxyzine daily, divided into several smaller doses.

Children

If Hydroxyzine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking.

Hydroxyzine may increase the effects of alcohol. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Hydroxyzine with

• Barbiturates (such as Seconal and Phenobarbital),
• Narcotics (such as Demerol and Percocet), or
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Most Important Fact about Hydroxyzine
Avoid alcohol and any other drug that causes a central nervous system effect where the effects combined with Hydroxyzine may be additive.

Hydroxyzine precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The safety of Hydroxyzine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. Hydroxyzine is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding because they can cause stimulation or seizures in newborns. Consult your doctor for further advice.

More common side effects of Hydroxyzine may include:

• Drowsiness,
• dry mouth, nose, or throat ,
• gastrointestinal upset,
• stomach pain, or nausea ,
• headache,
• thickening of mucus

Rare side effects of Hydroxyzine may include:

• Acid or sour stomach,
• belching,
• blurred vision or any change in vision,
• clumsiness or unsteadiness,
• body aches or pain,
• confusion (not with diphenhydramine),
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