Home > Medical Reference > Drug Notes (English)

Hydroxyzine hydrochloride (By mouth)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to hydroxyzine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Capsule, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often. Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered.
May be taken with or without food or milk.
Carefully measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking sedatives, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, pain pills, or seizure medicine.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Check with your doctor before taking hydroxyzine if you have heart or liver disease, enlarged prostate, trouble urinating, or glaucoma.
Talk with your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Hydroxyzine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Be careful if you drive a car or operate machinery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Seizures or tremors
Wheezing or trouble breathing
Tightness in the chest

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Drowsiness or dizziness
Headache
Dry mouth, nose, or throat
Constipation
Changes in vision such as trouble focusing

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor:

Reviewed last on: 1/4/2010

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

Connect with UMMC

© 2011 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All rights reserved.
UMMC is a member of the University of Maryland Medical System,
22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. TDD: 1-800-735-2258 or 1.866.408.6885