Vistaril reduces activity in the central nervous system. It also acts as an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of itching, or hives on the skin.

Vistaril is used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. It is also used together with other medications given during and after general anesthesia.

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

You should not use Vistaril if you are pregnant, especially during the first or second trimester.

Vistaril 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 Vistaril 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 Vistaril.

Before taking this medicine

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

• you have long QT syndrome;

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

• you are in the first trimester of pregnancy.

You should not use Vistaril if you are pregnant, especially during the first or second trimester. Hydroxyzine could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine.

To make sure Vistaril 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. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Do not give Vistaril to a child without medical advice.

Take Vistaril 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.

Vistaril is for short-term use only.

You should not take Vistaril 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 Vistaril if you are allergic to hydroxyzine, or if:

• you have long QT syndrome;

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

• you are in the first trimester of pregnancy.

You should not use Vistaril if you are pregnant, especially during the first or second trimester. Hydroxyzine could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine.

To make sure Vistaril 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. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Do not give Vistaril 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).

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 Vistaril: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, Vistaril 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 Vistaril 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 Vistaril 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 Vistaril with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Vistaril 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 hydroxyzine.

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.

Your symptoms will likely improve within hours of taking this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you experience any unusual side effects while using hydroxyzine.

Your dosage of hydroxyzine will depend on your medical condition, age, the formulation you use, and other factors.

Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully when taking this medicine.

Hydroxyzine is sometimes used to treat other conditions, including insomnia, allergies, and nausea.