What Is Hydroxyzine?

It seems as if hydroxyzine is only available as a prescription antihistamine. Patients may take this common oral allergy medication when strong over-the-counter antihistamines have not worked. This allergy medication may also work as a short-term medication for anxiety. Some doctors may also choose to prescribe it as a sedative for surgery. Individuals who may need to take this medication may wish to understand how it should work first.

How It Should Work

Hydroxyzine seems to be an antihistamine. Thus, this medication may be able to block the effects of too much histamine. Too much of this natural chemical appears to be the reason for symptoms of an allergic reaction. These symptoms may include watery eyes, skin redness, and itchy skin. This medication also seems to decrease brain activity. Thus, it may sometimes act as a sedative. Patients may be able to take this medication as a tablet, liquid, or capsule.

How often patients may take this medication seems to vary. However, they may take it up to three or four times daily, but not more. This appears to change depending on their symptoms and how they may respond to treatment. Instructions from the doctor seem to be important. Patients taking the liquid form of this medication may need to shake it first.

Get the details on the potential uses of this medication next.

Potential Uses

Hydroxyzine seems to treat significant itching that may stem from an allergic reaction. Both adults and children may be able to take it for this purpose. This medication also appears to be a short-term treatment for tension and anxiety. Some doctors may prescribe it as a sedative for their patients before surgery as well. It also seems to be suitable for use after surgery when patients are recovering from anesthesia.

However, the most common use is for allergic reactions, especially on this skin. This may include hives and contact dermatitis. Patients may also need skin tests for their allergies. These tests seem to help doctors identify the allergen. They may also prescribe a different medication if patients need a long-term solution.

Uncover the possible side effects of this medication next.

Possible Side Effects

This medication's common side effects appear to include increased drowsiness, a mild skin rash, and dry mouth. Patients may also experience headaches without chest pain. Dehydration also seems common with this medication. Individuals may also deal with itching throughout their whole body. These mild side effects can disappear in a few weeks. This may happen once the patient's body adjusts.

Other side effects of this medication may be rare. However, they seem to exist. Patients may want to call for emergency medical help if they experience severe fatigue or vomiting. An allergic reaction to this medication may also require this call. Additional serious side effects appear to include fast or irregular heartbeats, fainting, headaches with chest pain, and seizures. Severe skin reactions are rare side effects, but they may occur. Individuals who experience them may wish to call their doctor right away. In most cases, their doctor may tell them to stop taking the medication immediately.

Learn about the precautions linked to this medication next.

Precautions

Patients may need to talk about their allergies before taking this medication. It may not be suitable if their allergies have been connected to other antihistamines. A medical history appears necessary as well. Patients may need to talk about if they have had breathing issues such as asthma, an overactive thyroid, and higher blood pressure. Other health problems that doctors may need to know about before prescribing this medication seem to include issues with the kidneys, stomach, and liver. If patients have dealt with seizures or problems urinating, they may also wish to tell their doctor.

Hydroxyzine appears to increase a patient's risk of QT prolongation. This can affect their heart rhythm. In addition, this condition may result in rapid heartbeats and fainting. It seems to require emergency attention in these cases. Patients may need to discuss this risk with their doctor if they have had heart issues before. Finally, individuals may not be able to drive or drink alcohol with this medication due to drowsiness as a side effect.

Learn about the possible medication interactions next.

Possible Medication Interactions

Hydroxyzine seems to have many possible medication interactions. As a result, patients may want to make a list of their current medications, supplements, and vitamins. Their doctor may be able to prevent these potential interactions with it. Of course, patients appear to benefit from understanding these interactions as well. This medication may interact with others that have a sedative effect. Two examples of medication classes that this can apply to seem to be opioids and benzodiazepines.

Patients may also see an interaction with muscle relaxants and other antihistamines. Thus, patients should consider checking the labels of allergy medications, such as levocetirizine, that they take. Those that may cause drowsiness appear to interact with hydroxyzine more often. Some topical medications can also trigger a reaction. Thus, patients may need to avoid creams, sprays, and ointments. Many of these possible medication interactions seem to increase the risk of side effects.