Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride

Welcome to Dwaey, specifically on Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride page.
This medicine contains important and useful components, as it consists of
Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride is available in the market in concentration.

Generic Name of Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride - Learn More

Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride

Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Precaution - What You Need to Know

Hydroxyzine hydrochloride is a first-generation antihistamine with sedative, anxiolytic, and antiemetic properties. It is commonly used to treat allergic reactions, anxiety, nausea, and as a preoperative sedative. However, there are important precautions to consider:

- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Hydroxyzine is classified as pregnancy category C, which means that while it has not been well-studied in pregnant women, it should be used only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It is excreted in breast milk, and although adverse effects on nursing infants have not been established, its use during breastfeeding should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. If used during pregnancy, it should be at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration possible.

- Pre-existing conditions: Hydroxyzine should be used with caution in patients with a history of glaucoma, as it may increase intraocular pressure. Additionally, it should be avoided or used cautiously in patients with a history of urinary retention, especially in those with prostate enlargement, as it may worsen these conditions. Its use in patients with cardiovascular disease should also be carefully monitored, as hydroxyzine can cause QT prolongation, increasing the risk of arrhythmias.

- Elderly patients: Older adults may be more susceptible to the sedative and anticholinergic effects of hydroxyzine. In particular, elderly patients are at an increased risk for confusion, dizziness, and falls. Dose reductions may be necessary in this population, and close monitoring for side effects is important.

- Drug interactions: Hydroxyzine may interact with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids, increasing the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. It is also advisable to avoid combining hydroxyzine with other antihistamines to minimize the risk of excessive sedation.

Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Indication - Uses and Benefits

Hydroxyzine hydrochloride is approved for a variety of clinical indications, primarily related to its antihistaminic and sedative properties.

- FDA-approved indications:
- Allergic reactions: Hydroxyzine is used to manage symptoms of allergic reactions, including rhinitis, urticaria, and pruritus (itching).
- Anxiety and tension: It is indicated for short-term treatment of anxiety and tension, particularly in patients who cannot take benzodiazepines or who need short-term relief.
- Preoperative sedation: Hydroxyzine is often used as a preoperative medication to reduce anxiety and to produce sedation in patients undergoing surgery.
- Nausea and vomiting: Hydroxyzine is used in some cases as an antiemetic, particularly when nausea is associated with anxiety or as a side effect of other medications.

- Off-label uses:
- Insomnia: Hydroxyzine may be used off-label for the short-term management of insomnia due to its sedative properties.
- Agitation in dementia: Hydroxyzine has been used off-label to manage agitation or anxiety in patients with dementia, although its use in this context should be cautious due to the potential for sedative side effects.
- Motion sickness: Hydroxyzine is sometimes used off-label to treat motion sickness due to its antiemetic properties.

Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Contraindications - Important Warnings

Hydroxyzine is contraindicated in certain situations due to its pharmacologic properties and potential for adverse effects.

- Hypersensitivity: Hydroxyzine should not be used in patients who are hypersensitive to hydroxyzine or any other piperazine derivatives. This includes individuals with a known allergy to the drug, as well as those with a history of severe allergic reactions to other antihistamines.

- Pregnancy: While hydroxyzine is classified as category C, it is contraindicated during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, unless no alternative treatment options are available. Given its potential to affect fetal development, it is only prescribed if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

- QT prolongation: Hydroxyzine should be avoided in patients with a history of QT prolongation or arrhythmias. The drug can exacerbate this condition by increasing the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. It is also contraindicated in patients with any history of torsades de pointes, a specific type of arrhythmia linked to QT prolongation.

- Severe respiratory depression: Hydroxyzine should not be used in patients with severe respiratory depression, as its sedative effects may exacerbate respiratory insufficiency. It is contraindicated in individuals with severe obstructive airway disease, including asthma, unless specifically directed by a physician.

Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Side Effects - What to Expect

Hydroxyzine hydrochloride has a range of potential side effects, which vary in frequency and severity.

- Common side effects:
- Sedation and drowsiness: The most common side effect of hydroxyzine is sedation, which can lead to drowsiness and fatigue. This is especially prevalent when the drug is used for anxiety or as a preoperative sedative.
- Dry mouth: Hydroxyzine has anticholinergic effects, and as a result, it can cause dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable but is usually manageable.
- Dizziness and confusion: Especially in elderly patients, hydroxyzine can cause dizziness, confusion, and even hallucinations.

- Serious side effects:
- Respiratory depression: In rare cases, particularly when combined with other CNS depressants, hydroxyzine can cause severe respiratory depression. This can be life-threatening, especially in patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
- Severe allergic reactions: Although rare, hydroxyzine can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, manifested by swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives. Immediate medical attention is necessary in such cases.
- QT prolongation and arrhythmias: Hydroxyzine may cause or worsen QT prolongation, increasing the risk of arrhythmias, especially in patients with pre-existing heart conditions or when used with other QT-prolonging drugs.

- Management: To manage sedation and drowsiness, it is recommended to take hydroxyzine before bedtime or when no immediate alertness is required. Hydration can help alleviate dry mouth. Monitoring for signs of severe reactions, especially in vulnerable populations (elderly, patients with heart disease), is crucial. In the case of severe side effects such as respiratory depression or allergic reactions, discontinuation of the drug and immediate medical intervention are necessary.

Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Pregnancy Category ID - Safety Information

3

Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Mode of Action - How It Works

Hydroxyzine hydrochloride is an antihistamine that acts on several receptors in the body, providing its therapeutic effects in allergic reactions, anxiety, and other conditions.

- Antihistaminic effect: Hydroxyzine works by blocking histamine receptors (specifically H1 receptors) in the body, preventing the effects of histamine, which is a key mediator of allergic reactions. This is why it is effective in treating allergic conditions such as urticaria, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis.

- Sedative and anxiolytic effects: Hydroxyzine has central nervous system depressant effects. It works by inhibiting certain brain pathways, particularly those involving the neurotransmitter histamine, which plays a role in wakefulness and alertness. By blocking these pathways, hydroxyzine induces sedation, which is useful for treating anxiety and promoting sleep.

- Antiemetic effects: Hydroxyzine also acts on the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) in the brain, which controls nausea and vomiting. By blocking histamine and acetylcholine receptors in this area, hydroxyzine can reduce nausea, especially when related to anxiety or motion sickness.

- Pharmacokinetics: Hydroxyzine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 2 hours of oral administration. It has a half-life of 20 to 25 hours, allowing for once-daily or twice-daily dosing. The drug is extensively metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine.

Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Drug Interactions - What to Avoid

Hydroxyzine can interact with a range of other drugs, and some of these interactions may affect its efficacy or safety.

- Central nervous system depressants: Hydroxyzine can enhance the sedative effects of other CNS depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam), opioids (e.g., morphine), and other antihistamines. This can lead to excessive sedation, respiratory depression, or even coma. Caution should be exercised when combining hydroxyzine with these agents, and dosages should be carefully managed.

- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Hydroxyzine should not be combined with MAOIs, as it can increase the risk of hypertensive crisis. Hydroxyzine should be discontinued at least 14 days before starting therapy with an MAOI.

- Anticholinergic drugs: When combined with other drugs that have anticholinergic effects (e.g., atropine, tricyclic antidepressants), hydroxyzine may increase the risk of anticholinergic side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and blurred vision.

- QT prolonging drugs: Since hydroxyzine can prolong the QT interval, it should be used cautiously in combination with other drugs known to affect the QT interval, such as certain antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, or antibiotics (e.g., macrolides). Combining hydroxyzine with these agents can increase the risk of arrhythmias.

Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Adult Dose - Recommended Dosage

The recommended dose of hydroxyzine hydrochloride varies depending on the indication:

- For anxiety: The usual adult dose for anxiety is 50-100 mg, taken 3-4 times per day. The dose can be adjusted based on the severity of symptoms and patient response.
- For allergic reactions: The dose for allergic conditions, such as rhinitis or urticaria, is typically 25-100 mg per day, divided into 3-4 doses.
- For nausea and vomiting: In cases of nausea, hydroxyzine is usually administered in doses of 25 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.

Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Child Dose - Dosage for Children

Hydroxyzine can be used in pediatric patients, but the dosing should be carefully adjusted.

- For children (6-12 years): The typical dose is 50-100 mg per day, divided into 2-4 doses.
- For children (over 12 years): The adult dose range (25-100 mg, 3-4 times daily) can be used, depending on the specific condition.
- Safety considerations: Children may be more susceptible to sedation, and care should be taken to monitor for excessive drowsiness or other side effects.

Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Renal Dose - Dosage for Kidney Conditions

Hydroxyzine is primarily metabolized by the liver, and its excretion can be affected by renal function.

- Renal impairment: In patients with significant renal impairment (e.g., CrCl < 30 mL/min), a dose reduction is generally recommended. These patients should be closely monitored for any signs of excessive sedation or side effects.