HYDROXYZINE

Brand & Generic Names

Anxanil	Quiess
Apo-Hydroxyzine	T.E.H. Tablets
Atarax	Vamate
E-Vista	Vistaject
Hydroxacen	Vistaquel
Hyzine	Vistaril
Multipax	Vistazine
Novohydroxyzin

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Tranquilizer, antihistamine

Uses

• Treatment for anxiety, tension and agitation.
• Relieves itching from allergic reactions.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet, syrup or capsule--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet or open capsule and take with liquid or food.
Liquid--If desired, dilute dose in beverage before swallowing.

When to take:
At the same times each day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
May reduce activity in areas of the brain that influence emotional stability.

Time lapse before drug works:
15 to 30 minutes.

Don't take with:
Non-prescription drugs without consulting doctor.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Drowsiness, unsteadiness, agitation, purposeless movements, tremor, convulsions.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

Drowsiness, difficult urination, dry mouth.

Infrequent:

Headache.

Rare:

Tremor, rash.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to any antihistamine.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have epilepsy.
• If you will have surgery within 2 months, including dental surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.

Over age 60:

• Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.
• Drug likely to increase urination difficulty caused by enlarged prostate gland.

Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Animal studies show fetal abnormalities. Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision.

Prolonged use:
Tolerance develops and reduces effectiveness.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Antidepressants,	Increased effect
tricyclic (TCA)*	of both drugs.
Antihistamines*	Increased hydroxyzine effect.
Attapulgite	Decreased hydroxyzine effect.
Carteolol	Decreased antihistamine effect.
Central nervous system	Greater depression of central
(CNS) depressants*	nervous system.
Clozapine	Toxic effect on the central nervous
	system.
Dronabinol	Increased effects of both drugs.
	Avoid.
Ethinamate	Dangerous increased effects of
	ethinamate. Avoid combining.
Fluoxetine	Increased depressant effects of
	both drugs.
Guanfacine	May increase depressant effects of
	either drug.
Leucovorin	High alcohol content of leucovorin
	may cause adverse effects.
Methyprylon	Increased sedative effect, perhaps
	to dangerous level. Avoid.
Nabilone	Greater depression of central
	nervous system.
Narcotics*	Increased effect of both drugs.
Pain relievers*	Increased effect of both drugs.
Sedatives*	Increased effect of both drugs.
Sertraline	Increased depressive effects of
	both drugs.
Sleep inducers*	Increased effect of both drugs.
Sotalol	Increased antihistamine effect.
Tranquilizers*	Increased effect of both drugs.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Increased sedation and
	intoxication. Use with caution.
Caffeine drinks.	Decreased tranquilizer effect of
	hydroxyzine.
Cocaine:	Decreased hydroxyzine effect.
	Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.