Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of itching, or hives on the skin. Hydroxyzine may be used to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis.

Since hydroxyzine also reduces activity in the central nervous system, it can be used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. It is also used together with other medications given during and after general anesthesia.

Hydroxyzine is also used to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis.

Hydroxyzine may cause birth defects. Talk to you doctor before using hydroxyzine if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Hydroxyzine can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using.

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as tremors, confusion, seizures, or restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of hydroxyzine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use hydroxyzine if you are allergic to it, or if:

• you have long QT syndrome;

• you are allergic to cetirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal); or

Hydroxyzine could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Talk to you doctor before using hydroxyzine if pregnant.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

• bladder obstruction or other urination problems;

• glaucoma;

• heart disease, slow heartbeats;

• personal or family history of long QT syndrome;

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low levels of potassium in your blood);

• if you have recently had a heart attack.

It is not known whether hydroxyzine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding while using this medicine.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Hydroxyzine comes as capsules, tablets, a syrup, and suspension to take by mouth. It usually is taken three or four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take hydroxyzine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

Take hydroxyzine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Hydroxyzine is for short-term use only.

You should not take this medicine for longer than 4 months. Call your doctor if your anxiety symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use hydroxyzine if you are allergic to it, or if:

• you have long QT syndrome;

• you are allergic to cetirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal); or

Hydroxyzine could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Talk to you doctor before using hydroxyzine if pregnant.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

• bladder obstruction or other urination problems;

• glaucoma;

• heart disease, slow heartbeats;

• personal or family history of long QT syndrome;

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low levels of potassium in your blood);

• if you have recently had a heart attack.

It is not known whether hydroxyzine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding while using this medicine.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, uncontrolled muscle movements, or seizure (convulsions).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to hydroxyzine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, hydroxyzine may cause a severe skin reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have sudden skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes white or yellow pustules, blistering, or peeling.

Stop using hydroxyzine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• fast or pounding heartbeats;

• headache with chest pain;

• severe dizziness, fainting; or

• a seizure (convulsions).

Side effects such as drowsiness and confusion may be more likely in older adults.

Common hydroxyzine side effects may include:

• drowsiness;

• headache;

• dry mouth; or

• skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking hydroxyzine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Hydroxyzine can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time, including antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medicine, antipsychotic medicines, and medicines to treat cancer, malaria, HIV or AIDS. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with this medicine.

Other drugs may interact with hydroxyzine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.