Hydroxyzine

What is this medication for?

Hydroxyzine belongs to a group of medicines known as antihistamines. Antihistamines are a group of medications which can be used for the following conditions:

• Relief of redness and swelling of the skin and eyes
• Relief of itch in the eyes, nose or skin (due to an insect bite or allergies)

It may also be used to treat symptoms of anxiety such as:

• Feeling constantly worried and helpless
• Very fast heartbeat
• Uncontrolled shaking of body parts such as hands (tremors)
• Sweating
• Nervousness

Hydroxyzine may be used for other conditions. Check with your healthcare professional if you are unsure why you are given this medication.

You can also find out about this medication by watching these videos:

For videos in 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Click Antihistamines(oral) 

How should I take or use this medication?

• Hydroxyzine may be taken with or without food.
• Take your medication according to the instructions stated on the medication label.
• Do not stop taking or adjust the dose of this medication without checking with your doctor.
• Do check with your doctor on how long you will have to be on this medication.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

• If you have been told by your doctor to take Hydroxyzine regularly but you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if more than half of the time to the next dose has passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your usual timing.
• For example, for a medication to be taken two times daily at 8am and 8pm, and you missed your first dose at 8am, skip the first dose if it is after 2pm, and take your second dose at the usual timing at 8pm. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, your doctor would have discussed the potential benefits and side-effects with you and should you have further questions or concerns, do consult your doctor.
• You are taking any other medications (including those that can be bought without a prescription), supplements, traditional Chinese medicine and herbal products. Some of them may affect how this medication works or cause serious drug interactions.
• You have or have ever had:
  • Other drug allergies
  • Kidney or liver disease
  • High blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythm
  • Respiratory disease
  • Medical conditions such as difficulty in urination, enlarged prostate gland, overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), seizures (fits) or increased eye pressure (glaucoma)

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

The mentioned side effects generally affect up to 10% of patients.

• Drowsiness or feeling tired
  • Avoid driving or taking part in activities that require concentration
  • Discuss with your doctor if you can take your medication at a different time of the day
• Dizziness
  • Get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position
• Dry mouth
  • Chew sugar-free gum, suck on sugar-free hard candies or ice chips, or take sips of water regularly
• Constipation
  • Drink more water (if you do not have any fluid restriction), eat more high-fibre foods, and exercise regularly
  • Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you need medication to help with your constipation
• Headache

Most of the side effects listed here will improve with time. Speak with your doctor if any of them continues, worsens or affects your daily life.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Rarely this medication may cause:

• Restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw or neck (dyskinesia)
• Severe muscle weakness
• Seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)
• Confusion
• Fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting episodes (signs and symptoms of an abnormal heart beating rhythm (prolonged QTc interval))
• Tremors
• Seizures (fits)
• Blurred vision

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:

For videos in 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Click Drug Allergies 

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Hydroxyzine as it can cause excessive sleepiness.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.