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Hydroxyzine (By mouth)

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Brand Name(s)

Vistaril

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Some medicines can affect how hydroxyzine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
    • Droperidol, methadone, ondansetron, pentamidine
    • Antibiotic (including azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin)
    • Medicine to treat depression (including citalopram, fluoxetine)
    • Medicine to treat heart rhythm problems (including amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)
    • Medicine to treat mental health problems (including chlorpromazine, clozapine, iloperidone, quetiapine, ziprasidone)
  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake well just before use.
  • Tablet: Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Introduction

Hydroxyzine Pamoate (hye-DROX-i-zeen PAM-oh-ate)

Treats anxiety, nausea, vomiting, allergies, skin rash, hives, and itching. May also be used with anesthesia for medical procedures.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness
  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
  • Fever, skin rash
  • Severe tiredness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Drowsiness, sleepiness
  • Dry mouth

Warnings While Using This Medicine

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, heart failure, a slow heartbeat, skin problems, or had a recent heart attack.
  • This medicine may cause the following problems:
    • Changes in your heart rhythm
    • Serious skin reaction called acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)
  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to hydroxyzine, cetirizine, or levocetirizine. Do not use it during the early part of pregnancy or if you have prolonged QT interval.

Review Date: 7/4/2018
Reviewed By:

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