HealthyCanada.com

Brand Name: Apo-Hydroxyzine Novo-Hydroxyzin Atarax PMS-Hydroxyzine

Prescription Needed: Yes

Hydroxyzine belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines and is primarily used to relieve the itching caused by allergies and to control the nausea and vomiting caused by various conditions such as motion sickness. It is also used for anxiety and to treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to hydroxyzine.

Always disclose your full medical history to the medical team that is taking care of you in order for them to provide you with the safest and most effective care.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• glaucoma (especially narrow angle glaucoma or open angle glaucoma that is not being treated)
• problems with your kidney or liver
• difficulty going to the bathroom due to an enlarged prostate urinary blockage urinary incontinence or urinary retention
• any heart rhythm problems
• chronic breathing conditions
• problems with constipation or blockage of intestines
• seizures

What about possible side effects?

This medication is usually well tolerated but you should be aware of some potential side effects. The following list of more common side effects can be quite bothersome but unless they are severe you should continue taking as prescribed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist to get advice on how to manage these side effects.

• dry mouth nose and throat
• upset stomach
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• chest congestion
• headache
• reddening of skin
• difficulty urinating

If you experience any of the following less common symptoms stop taking hydroxyzine and call your doctor as soon as possible:

• hallucination
• involuntary movements
• increased anxiety
• blurry vision
• tremor

Rare but potentially serious side effects include:

• severe skin rash difficulty breathing or swallowing hives all over the body or near the face and throat - signs of an allergic reaction - stop taking and get emergency medical help immediately
• convulsions - stop taking and get emergency medical help immediately
• heart palpitations - stop taking and contact your doctor

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

• drugs that can cause tiredness sedation dizziness or increase the chances of having the same side effects - talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following drugs:
• opioid pain medications (e.g. codeine oxycodone morphine hydromorphone)
• opioid cough medications (e.g. hydrocodone codeine)
• some antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline doxepin venlafaxine paroxetine trazodone)
• medications for anxiety and insomnia (e.g. lorazepam diazepam oxazepam temazepam zopiclone)
• antipsychotics (e.g. risperidone haloperidol)
• muscle relaxants (e.g. cyclobenzaprine orphenadrine baclofen)
• drugs for epilepsy (gabapentin phenytoin phenobarbital carbamazepine valproic acid)
• other antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine chlorpheniramine dimenhydrinate) - avoid combining other products that treat colds flu or to help with sleep
• alcoholic beverages including wine liquors beer
• herbal products (e.g. valerian St John's Wort)
• drugs that can cause dry mouth dry eyes problems urinating or constipation (e.g. amitriptyline desipramine imipramine; ask your doctor or pharmacist) - increase your chances of having similar side effects
• MAO inhibitors may prolong and intensify the side effects of antihistamines in particular causing fainting and dizziness
• MAO inhibitors include phenelzine (brand name Nardil) tranylcypromine (brand name Parnate) moclobemide (brand name Manerix generics available) isocarboxazid (available in the U.S.A. under the brand name Marplan) and others not available in Canada
• low doses of the MAO inhibitor selegeline (brand name Deprenyl generics available) may be safe but always be cautious and seek advice from your doctor
• betahistine - antihistamines may reduce the effects
• donepezil galantamine rivastigmine - effects may be reduced

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Special Instructions:

If you are planning on having any skin tests for allergies tell your doctor that you are taking this medication as it may affect the results of your allergy test.

• If using this medication for a long time you may notice that it is not working as well since it tends to lose its effect over time. Talk to you doctor or pharmacist. This medication is usually intended for short-term use only.

Dietary precautions: Hydroxyzine may be taken with or without food.

Children: Can be used but lower doses are necessary. Children may show signs of excitement and hyperactivity versus drowsiness. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Seniors: Not recommended due to much higher risk of side effects. Speak to your doctor about safer alternatives. If your doctor has prescribed hydroxyzine for you it is recommended to use the lowest dose possible for the shortest period of time.

Pregnancy: Has been safely used in pregnancy at normal doses but better options are available. Discuss with your doctor.

Women who are nursing: It is not known whether hydroxyzine passes into breast milk. It is not known if there is an effect on your infant. Taking hydroxyzine while breastfeeding is not recommended.

People who drive or operate machinery: Hydroxyzine may cause you to be quite drowsy. Do not try to perform these activities until you know how this drug affects you personally.

Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol while taking hydroxyzine. You may feel very dizzy or drowsy.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could cause severe and unusual drowsiness seizures nausea or vomiting. If you experience any unusual reactions or if suspect an overdose call your 911.

Stopping the drug: Can be safely stopped when no longer needed.

If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it then continue taking as prescribed Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.