Medication Information:
Hydroxyzine (generic) ~ Atarax and Vistavil (brand) Classification: Antianxiety; antihistamine; antipruritic;
sedative/hypnotic.
Common Usage: Hydroxyzine has been used for many years for symptomatic
relief of anxiety and muscle tension as well as to treat itching and other
allergic reactions. It is used as a sedative for dental procedures in a
children and as a premedication before surgery. CommonMajor Side Effects: The most common side effects are dry mouth,
drowsiness and occasional involuntary motor activity such as tremors.
If you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant or are a nursing mother,
the potential benefits of hydroxyzine must be weighed against the possible
hazards. Discuss these issues in advance with all of your health care
providers.
This is not a complete list of all known or potential adverse effects.
Notify your prescriber or pharmacist of any symptoms that have started since you
began taking this medication, changing its dose or adding or changing other
medication. Take care when performing any task that requires your
attention (for example, driving or operating machinery) until you have
experience with clozapine and are confident you can perform the task safely. Interactions with Other Medications: Hydroxyzine should be used
cautiously when taken with meperidine (Demerol), barbiturates or other central
nervous system depressants.
This is not a complete list of all known or potential drug interactions.
To help prevent problems, always make sure that your pharmacist and all
prescribers know about all medications you are taking, including
over-the-counter drugs; dietary herbal supplements; fold or home remedies; or
unusual foods, drinks or dietary habits. CommonDosages: For anxiety, hydroxyzine dosage for adults is 25 to 100 mg one
to four times daily. In children younger than age six, the recommended
dose is 50 mg daily in divided doses. Over six years of age, the
recommended dose is 50 to 100 mg daily in divided doses. For itching, the
recommended dosage in adults is 25 mg three or four times daily. In
children younger than age six, the recommended dose is 50 mg daily in divided
doses. Over six years of age, the recommended dose is 50 to 100 mg daily
in divided doses. As a sedative, the recommended dose is 50 to 100 mg in
adults and 0.6 mg/kg in children. Identification: Hydroxyzine is available as Atarax in 10-mg orange
tablets, 25-mg green tablets, 50-mg yellow tablets and 100-mg red tablets and as
Vistavil in 10-mg capsules, 25-mg capsules, 50-mg capsules and 100-mg capsules.
Hydroxyzine is also available as a syrup (10mf/5ml) and as an injection (25 mg,
ml). Generic brands are used very commonly. You should check with
your pharmacist to verify the appearance and identifying features of the product
that you are receiving. Storage: Store this medication at normal room temperature (59° F to 86°
F) in a tightly closed, light- and moisture-resistant container. If you
have difficulty opening child-resistant containers, your pharmacist can provide
a container that is easier to open. Keep the medication out of direct
sunlight and avoid storing it in a warm or humid area - such as the bathroom or
kitchen - to prevent deterioration. To prevent accidental poisoning, keep
all medications out of the reach of children. Do not take an expired
medication. Do not transfer medication from one container to another.
Carefully discard discontinued medication where children cannot find it. Edited by Stephen R.
Saklad, Pharm.D. ASERVICE OF…. Psychopharmacology Update
Note: These guidelines are for general information only.For more specific information, consult your physician orpharmacist. | 
