Hydroxyzine
About Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine contains an antihistamines medication primarily used to treat allergic reactions. It is used to treat allergic skin conditions with inflammation & itching. In addition to this, it is also used to treat anxiety. An allergy is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as ‘allergens.' An anxiety disorder is a mental condition characterized by excessive fear or worry affecting an individual's daily activities.
Hydroxyzine contains Hydroxyzine, which is an antihistamine medicine. It is primarily used to treat allergic reactions. It works by blocking the histamine receptor's action responsible for allergic symptoms. Thus, it plays a vital role in effectively treating allergic reactions. In addition to this, it is also used to treat anxiety as it decreases the brain's activity.
Hydroxyzine should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Hydroxyzine for the duration your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. Sometimes, this medicine may cause side effects such as dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, constipation, sedation, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Hydroxyzine if you are allergic to it. If you have breathing problems (such as emphysema and asthma), high blood pressure in the eye (glaucoma), high blood pressure, or kidney problems (for example, due to enlarged prostate), please inform your doctor before starting treatment with Hydroxyzine. Driving and operating machinery should be avoided after receiving Hydroxyzine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, as it is not safe in these populations. If Hydroxyzine is used for anxiety, it should not be used for too long as it may lead to unpleasant side effects.
Uses of Hydroxyzine
Medicinal Benefits
Hydroxyzine contains Hydroxyzine, which is primarily used to treat allergic reactions. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine; it reduces the effect of the chemical histamine in the body by blocking the action of histamine receptors. In addition, it is also used to treat anxiety in adults and helps to relax before/after surgery as it helps to decrease the activity of the brain.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Hydroxyzine
Nausea
Vomiting
Upset stomach
Diarrhea
Constipation
Dizziness
Headache
Muscle tremors
Hallucinations
Weakness
Sleepiness
Drug Warnings
Do not take Hydroxyzine if you are allergic to it. Before starting treatment with Hydroxyzine, inform your doctor about all the medication history you are using. If you have glaucoma (pressure inside the eye), emphysema (lung disease), asthma, ulcer, urine retention, hyperthyroidism, heart failure, hypertension, kidney or liver problems, inform your physician on priority before taking Hydroxyzine. Driving and operating machinery should be avoided after taking Hydroxyzine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, as it is not safe in these populations. If Hydroxyzine is used for anxiety, it should not be used for too long as it may lead to unpleasant side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: Hydroxyzine is known to interact with opiates (meperidine), heart medicines (quinidine), Alzheimer's disease medications (donepezil, galantamine), anticholinergics (benztropine, scopolamine), antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, clozapine, fluphenazine, thioridazine, risperidone, trazodone), pain relievers (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen), medicines used for bladder problems (oxybutynin, tolterodine).
Drug-Food interactions: Hydroxyzine should not be used along with alcohol as it is known to increase CNS depressive effect.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Hydroxyzine should be used with caution with glaucoma (pressure inside the eye), emphysema (lung disease), asthma, ulcer, urine retention, hyperthyroidism, heart failure, hypertension, kidney or liver problem.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consuming alcohol along with Hydroxyzine to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Hydroxyzine. Your doctor may advise this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionLarger doses or long-term doses of Hydroxyzine can cause sleepiness and other effects in infants. Hence inform your doctor before taking Hydroxyzine. Your doctor may advise this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionHydroxyzine may cause dizziness or vision problems in some cases, hence do not drive or operate heavy machinery that requires mental attention.
Liver
cautionHydroxyzine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. Your doctor will prescribe this medicine only if the benefits outweigh the risk.
Kidney
cautionHydroxyzine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disease. Your doctor will prescribe this medicine only if the benefits outweigh the risk.
Children
cautionHydroxyzine is not recommended for children below the age of 18 years unless prescribed by the paediatrician.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Avoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Hydroxyzine, as this can lead to additive side effects, such as increased drowsiness.
The immune system is affected by stress and raises the risk of being sick. An individual can exercise regularly, meditate, do deep breathing, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
Try to sleep at least 8 hours each night to stay fit. Regular exercise can help lower anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving your sleep and self-image.
Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Find humour in your daily life. Try to watch a comedy show to help relieve stress.
You can try increasing your mindfulness by including yoga, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and stress reduction.
Drink enough water to stay hydrated, and limit caffeine to relieve anxiety.
Include a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. This is a healthier option than eating many simple carbohydrates in processed foods.
Herbs like turmeric, ginger, and chamomile contain anti-inflammatory properties. Including this stuff in the meal can reduce inflammation caused due to anxiety disorder.
Special Advise
Alcohol consumption should not be done with Hydroxyzine as it can potentiate the CNS (central nervous system) effect and lead to depression.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergy: An allergy is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as ‘allergens.’ Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. In contrast, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander.
Anxiety: Anxiety disorders are different from feelings of anxiety and feeling nervous, which involve excessive anxiety, fear, or worry. Fear can arise due to anxiety and emotional response to an immediate threat related to more staying to fight or leaving to escape danger. Fear before getting ready for surgery is also a part of short-term anxiety. Anxiety disorders can affect an individual’s job performance, school work, and personal relationships.
FAQs
Hydroxyzine contains Hydroxyzine, which is primarily used to treat allergic reactions. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine; it reduces the effect of the chemical histamine in the body by blocking histamine receptors' action.
Hydroxyzine may be associated with an increased risk of rhythm disorder, which can be serious. If you have heart problems, please inform your doctor before taking Hydroxyzine.
No, Hydroxyzine should not be taken if you are intolerant to lactose or have hereditary galactose intolerance, as Hydroxyzine contains lactose, and it may lead to unpleasant side effects.
Before starting Hydroxyzine please inform your doctor if you have any other health problems, like kidney, heart, or liver-related issues as dose adjustment might be required in some cases. Also, mention all other medications you are taking as some might affect how Hydroxyzine works. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
