Author: Alex Thompson

Vistaril hydroxyzine dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more

Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.

Primary skeletal muscle relaxation has been demonstrated experimentally. Bronchodilator activity, and antihistaminic and analgesic effects have been demonstrated experimentally and confirmed clinically. An antiemetic effect, both by the apomorphine test and the veriloid test, has been demonstrated. Pharmacological and clinical studies indicate that hydroxyzine in therapeutic dosage does not increase gastric secretion or acidity and in most cases has mild antisecretory activity. Hydroxyzine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and Vistaril’s clinical effects are usually noted within 15 to 30 minutes after oral administration.

Some formulations of Vistaril have been discontinued in the United States, but Vistaril capsules (25mg and 50mg) and generic hydroxyzine are still available. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at FDA-1088 or at /medwatch. Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, constipation, or dry mouth may occur.

THE POTENTIATING ACTION OF HYDROXYZINE MUST BE CONSIDERED WHEN THE DRUG IS USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANTS SUCH AS NARCOTICS, NON NARCOTIC ANALGESICS AND BARBITURATES. Therefore, when central nervous system depressants are administered concomitantly with hydroxyzine, their dosage should be reduced. Patients should be advised against the simultaneous use of other CNS depressant drugs, and cautioned that the effect of alcohol may be increased. Hydroxyzine starts to work in about 15 to 30 minutes but its drowsy effect may last for 4 to 6 hours.

More about Vistaril (hydroxyzine)

It takes about 5 half-lives for a drug to be eliminated from your body, so after about 20 hours x 5 half-lives (100 hours), most of hydroxyzine is gone from an adult’s system. Side effects such as drowsiness and confusion may be more likely in older adults. You should not use Vistaril if you are pregnant, especially during the first or second trimester. Hydroxyzine is sometimes used to treat other conditions, including insomnia, allergies, and nausea. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully when taking this medicine.

Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that’s changing medicine. You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Your dosage of hydroxyzine will depend on your medical condition, age, the formulation you use, and other factors.

Drug Interactions for Vistaril

Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selections. Our Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication. 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.

1. Drowsiness is usually transitory and may disappear in a few days of continued therapy or upon reduction of the dose.
2. Hydroxyzine is sometimes used to treat other conditions, including insomnia, allergies, and nausea.
3. It’s also taken to relieve anxiety or tension and as a sedative for surgery before and after general anesthesia.
4. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling.

Your symptoms will likely improve within hours of taking this medicine. 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. Use Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

What is the most important information I should know about Vistaril (Hydroxyzine)?

Hydroxyzine is a medicine used to treat itching caused by an allergic reaction. It’s also taken to relieve anxiety or tension and as a sedative for surgery before and after general anesthesia. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, trouble urinating or QT prolongation (see above). Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling. Hydroxyzine may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

Can I take Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

You should not use hydroxyzine 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.

This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Vistaril only for the indication prescribed. This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as allergy skin testing, urine corticosteroids level), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.