Understanding Hydroxyzine

Hydroxyzine blocks the effects of histamine. This is a natural chemical found in the body. However, during an allergic reaction, the body produces too much of it! This is the cause of the patient's symptoms! Patients receive different doses based on their symptoms and medical history. Their age matters as well! Individuals need to follow their doctor's instructions for this medication, including how often to take it.

This is one of the common meds for an allergic reaction. It is, of course, a prescription antihistamine! Patients often take it after they have already tried strong over-the-counter antihistamines for their allergies. It is also an effective short-term anxiety medication! Many doctors also use it as a sedative for surgery. Of course, patients need to understand this medication as an allergy treatment and how it works first!

How It Works

This medication is an antihistamine. This means that it reduces the effects that histamine has on the body! Histamine is natural, but in high amounts, it leads to allergies. Patients with too much histamine in their body experience watery eyes, itching, and redness, among many other symptoms. This medication also has sedative effects on the brain. Thus, many doctors prescribe it for this function! Patients have options when taking this oral medication. It is available as a tablet, liquid, and capsule!

Patients take this medication three to four times daily. The precise frequency is chosen based on how severe their allergies are and how well they respond to this medication! Of course, patients must follow their doctor's instructions. This means that they cannot skip doses or take extra ones!

Learn about the major uses for this medication next.

Uses

This medication helps individuals with severe itching because of an allergic reaction. Both adults and children take it for this purpose! It is also good for the short-term relief of anxiety. Doctors have also used this medication to sedate patients before surgery! It has also been useful when patients wake up from their anesthesia following surgery. However, this medication is most commonly used to treat skin conditions caused by histamine. Examples include hives and contact dermatitis! Patients will need allergy tests and other treatments to deal with their allergies fully. This medication is simply good for the reaction afterward!

Continue reading to reveal this medication's side effects next.

Side Effects

This medication has several side effects. Common ones include a mild skin rash, headaches without chest pain, and dry mouth! Seniors are more likely to deal with drowsiness and confusion on this medication than others. Dehydration is easily treated by patients drinking more water! Itching is also a common side effect of this medication. The good news is that these side effects disappear once the patient's body adjusts!

Patients who experience vomiting or severe fatigue need emergency medical help. They are signs of an accidental overdose! An allergic reaction to this medication also requires emergency attention. Skin reactions are rare, but when they happen, patients must call their doctor right away! They must also stop taking this medication. Other severe side effects include fainting, seizures, and headaches. Patients will also deal with chest pain, dizziness, and irregular or fast heartbeats! These side effects are all serious. Patients must stop taking this medication and inform their doctor immediately if they see any of them!

Reveal the precautions for this medication next.

Precautions

Patients need to talk to their doctor about their allergies before taking this medication. This is even more important if any of them are connected to other allergy medications! Doctors also need to know about any history of asthma, high blood pressure, and high eye pressure. Stomach, kidney, thyroid, and liver issues are vital pieces of information too! Patients must also tell their doctor if they have had seizures before or any problems urinating. This medication also affects the results of skin tests for allergies and other lab tests. Doctors need to know when patients take it so they take the effects into account!

This medication has also caused QT prolongation. This condition affects an individual's heart rhythm! The results of this condition include fainting and rapid heartbeats. Both require emergency medical assistance! Patients with a history of heart problems or heart failure are at a higher risk for this condition when they take this medication! It is also vital to avoid drinking alcohol while on this medication. Doing so increases drowsiness! The drowsiness is also why patients must not drive until they adjust to this medication.

Continue reading to reveal the medication interactions next.

Medication Interactions

Patients must make a list of their medications. This list needs both prescription and over-the-counter medications! Supplements and vitamins also need to be on it. This list helps doctors make sure that their patients avoid medication interactions with hydroxyzine! Many medications that act as sedatives cause interactions. This includes benzodiazepines and opioids!

Other antihistamines, such as cetirizine, interact with this one as well, especially those marked 'drowsy.' Patients also need to avoid muscle relaxants! Many topical medications interact with hydroxyzine and increase side effects when they are used together. Thus, patients need to check all of their sprays, ointments, and creams with their doctor!