Note: This document contains side effect information about hydroxyzine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Atarax.
Applies to hydroxyzine: oral capsule, oral syrup, oral tablet. Other dosage forms:
- intramuscular solution
Serious side effects of Atarax
Along with its needed effects, hydroxyzine (the active ingredient contained in Atarax) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking hydroxyzine:
Incidence not known
- Chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
- cough
- difficulty with swallowing
- dizziness
- fainting
- fast heartbeat
- hives, itching, or skin rash
- irregular or slow heart rate
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- trouble breathing
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking hydroxyzine:
Symptoms of overdose
- Decreased awareness or responsiveness
- drowsiness
- nausea
- seizures
- severe sleepiness
- vomiting
Other side effects of Atarax
Some side effects of hydroxyzine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Rare
- Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
- trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
Incidence not known
- Dry mouth
- headache
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to hydroxyzine: compounding powder, intramuscular solution, oral capsule, oral suspension, oral syrup, oral tablet.
General
The most commonly reported side effects included sleepiness, headache, and tiredness.[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Sleepiness (up to 13.74%)
Common (1% to 10%): Headache
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Convulsion, tremor
Frequency not reported: Anticholinergic activity, central nervous system (CNS) depression, drowsiness, incoordination, involuntary motor activity, psychomotor impairment, stimulation
Postmarketing reports: Dizziness, dyskinesia, dystonia, paresthesia, sedation, seizures, syncope[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Tiredness
Frequency not reported: Antimuscarinic effects, lassitude
Postmarketing reports: Asthenia, malaise, pyrexia, sudden death[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth
Postmarketing reports: Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Frequency not reported: QT prolongation, Torsade de Pointes
Postmarketing reports: Cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, edema, hypotension, ventricular arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reaction
Postmarketing reports: Allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock, angioedema, hypersensitivity[Ref]
Respiratory
Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression
Postmarketing reports: Bronchospasm[Ref]
Dermatologic
Postmarketing reports: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), bullous condition (pemphigoids, toxic epidermal necrolysis), dermatitis, erythema, erythema multiforme, fixed drug eruptions, increased sweating, maculopapular rash, pruritus, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, urticaria[Ref]
Psychiatric
Postmarketing reports: Aggression, agitation, confusion, depression, disorientation, hallucination, insomnia, tics[Ref]
Genitourinary
Postmarketing reports: Dysuria, enuresis, urinary retention[Ref]
Ocular
Postmarketing reports: Accommodation disorder, blurred vision, oculogyric crisis[Ref]
Hepatic
Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis, liver function tests abnormal[Ref]
Hematologic
Postmarketing reports: Thrombocytopenia[Ref]
Metabolic
Postmarketing reports: Weight gain[Ref]
