Hydroxyzine
About Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine is used to treat allergic skin conditions with inflammation and itching. In addition to this, it is also used to treat anxiety. An allergy is an immune system response to foreign elements, typically harmless to the body. An anxiety disorder is a mental condition characterised by excessive fear or worry affecting an individual's daily activities.
Hydroxyzine contains Hydroxyzine, which works by blocking the action of the histamine receptor responsible for allergic symptoms. In addition to this, it is also used to treat anxiety as it decreases the brain's activity.
Sometimes, this medicine may cause side effects such as dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, constipation, sedation, vomiting, upset stomach, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention. 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, high blood pressure in the eye, high blood pressure, or kidney problems, please inform your doctor. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Hydroxyzine
• Anxiety Relief: Hydroxyzine helps relieve anxiety by calming the brain, making it an effective treatment for anxiety disorders and tension relief.
• Allergy Relief: Hydroxyzine provides allergy relief by blocking histamine, effectively treating symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose caused by allergens.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Hydroxyzine helps prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, often associated with surgery or medical procedures, offering relief from these symptoms.
• Sleep Aid: Hydroxyzine sedative properties can help individuals with insomnia or trouble sleeping, serving as a short-term sleep aid.
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
- Hydroxyzine can be taken with or without food, or as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Swallow Hydroxyzine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
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 medications 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 effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Hydroxyzine should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma (increased eye pressure), emphysema (a lung disease), asthma, ulcers, urine retention, hyperthyroidism, heart failure, hypertension, or kidney or liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consuming alcohol along with Hydroxyzine to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorIf 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
consult your doctorLarger doses or prolonged use of Hydroxyzine can cause sleepiness and other side effects in infants. Hence, inform your doctor before taking Hydroxyzine. Your doctor may advise this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
unsafeHydroxyzine 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 risks.
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 risks.
Children
unsafeHydroxyzine 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 addictive side effects, such as increased drowsiness.
- The immune system is affected by stress, which raises the risk of illness. An individual can exercise regularly, meditate, practice deep breathing, and employ progressive muscle relaxation techniques to alleviate stress.
- Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night to stay fit. Regular exercise can help lower anxiety by releasing endorphins, improving sleep, and enhancing 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 incorporating yoga, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and stress reduction techniques.
- 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 by anxiety disorders.
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 harmless to the body. These foreign elements are known as ‘allergens.’ Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some people may be allergic to specific foods, as well as 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 either 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 is used to treat allergic skin conditions with inflammation and itching. In addition to this, it is also used to treat anxiety.
Hydroxyzine contains Hydroxyzine, which is primarily used to treat allergic reactions. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine; it reduces the effects of histamine in the body by blocking histamine receptors.
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 lactose intolerant or have hereditary galactose intolerance, as it contains lactose and may cause unpleasant side effects.
Before starting Hydroxyzine, please inform your doctor of any other health problems, such as kidney, heart, or liver issues, as dose adjustments may be required in some cases. Also, please list all other medications you are taking, as some may interact with Hydroxyzine. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Hydroxyzine contains Hydroxyzine, an antihistamine. It works by blocking the histamine receptor, which mediates allergic symptoms. Thus, it plays a vital role in treating allergic reactions effectively.
Hydroxyzine is safe if used in the dose and duration recommended by your doctor. Take it precisely as directed, and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's guidelines carefully and inform your doctor if any side effects disturb you.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Hydroxyzine is effective if used in the dose and duration recommended by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see recovery in your situation. If you stop using Hydroxyzine too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. However, it is suggested that you complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
Before using this medication, inform your doctor about your medical history, including any ongoing medications, to avoid potential interactions and minimise side effects.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Hydroxyzine contains Hydroxyzine, which is an antihistamine medicine. It is primarily used to treat allergic reactions.
