Hydroxyzine helps relieve itching associated with certain allergic skin conditions, such as hives and atopic dermatitis (a skin condition characterised by patches of red and itchy skin).
This medicine may also be used for the short-term management of anxiety.
Hydroxyzine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Hydroxyzine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by the doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Hydroxyzine is available as a tablet, capsule, or oral suspension.
If you are taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
If you are taking Hydroxyzine to relieve itching, you may stop taking this medicine when you have no more allergies, unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- acquired or inherited heart rhythm disorders
- significantly slow heartbeat
- heart disease
- family history of sudden heart problems
- low potassium or magnesium level in the blood
- asthma with previous serious reactions when taking medicines for cold or allergy
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- severe liver disease
as Hydroxyzine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Hydroxyzine, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Hydroxyzine.
Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Do not take Hydroxyzine with some medicines for irregular heartbeat, mood disorders, depression, cancer, malaria (a disease characterised by chills, fever and sweating that is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito), constipation, and certain antibiotics or strong painkillers. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- increased pressure in the eyes
- high blood pressure
- breathing problems e.g. asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe)
- digestive problems
- enlarged prostate gland
- bladder problems
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- overactive thyroid gland
- mild to moderate liver disease
- kidney disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Hydroxyzine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. skin test for allergies), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs of allergic and skin reactions may also be needed.
Hydroxyzine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects may include any of the following: headache, ringing in the ears, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and flushing.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- irregular or abnormal heartbeat, shortness of breath, palpitations, loss of consciousness
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Hydroxyzine with the following medicines:
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. quinidine, amiodarone, sotalol, disopyramide
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, levofloxacin
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. haloperidol
- medicines for cancer e.g. toremifene, vandetanib
- medicines to treat depression e.g. citalopram, escitalopram
- medicines for malaria e.g. mefloquine
- methadone (strong painkiller)
- prucalopride (medicine for constipation)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for allergy e.g. cetirizine
- medicine for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital
- medicines for depression e.g. amitriptyline, isocarboxazid, moclobemide
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- atropine (medicine for certain bowel problems)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Hydroxyzine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Hydroxyzine.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect the capsules from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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