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Hydroxyzine

  • Hydroxyzine is used to prevent and relieve allergic conditions and sometimes anxiety (feeling nervous).
  • The most common side effects are drowsiness and dry mouth.
  • Do not operate machinery or do any other task that may be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

About hydroxyzine

Type of medicine Antihistamines
Used for Allergic conditions and anxiety (feeling nervous)
Also called Atarax; Ucerax
Available as Tablets and syrup

Hydroxyzine is used to relieve itching of the skin due to some allergic reactions.

Exposure to pollen, pet fur, house dust, an insect bite or another trigger, can cause the body to release a chemical called histamine. The release of histamine causes allergic symptoms which may result in a rash on the skin. Antihistamines stop the effects of histamine and help to relieve these symptoms.

Hydroxyzine is also sometimes used for short-term relief of anxiety.

Before taking hydroxyzine

Before taking hydroxyzine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver, kidney or prostate problems.
  • If you suffer from a blockage in the stomach or intestine.
  • If you suffer from epilepsy, porphyria (a blood disorder) or glaucoma.
  • If you have been experiencing difficulty or pain when urinating (passing water).

How to take hydroxyzine

  • Take hydroxyzine exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • If you forget to take a dose, leave out the missed dose and take the next dose on time. Never take two doses together.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.

Can hydroxyzine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision Make sure your reactions are normal and you can see properly before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous.
Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness and dizziness.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets. If this becomes troublesome speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Other less common side effects include being aware of your heart beat, skin rashes, confusion, mood changes, disturbed sleep or shakiness and difficulty urinating (passing water)

How to store hydroxyzine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3878		 DocRef:
dils2170		 Last Updated:
8 May 2007		 Date of Next Review:
7 May 2009		 Version:
22
Patient UK Current Health News




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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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