Have you been prescribed Hydroxyzine? Let's talk about this medication in detail.

Sometimes when a doctor prescribes a medicine for you, you have a lot of questions about what it is for, how to use it, and what precautions to take, right? It's important to know exactly what it is. Today we're talking about Hydroxyzine, a widely used but problematic drug.

What exactly is Hydroxyzine?

Simply put, hydroxyzine is a drug that belongs to the antihistamine class. Now you may be wondering what this histamine is. Imagine that you have an allergy to food or dust. Then, a chemical called 'histamine' is released from the cells of our body. Itchy skin, hives, watery eyes and nose, sneezing, etc. are caused by that histamine.

Hydroxyzine works by blocking the action of histamine, which helps control allergy symptoms.

Doctors also prescribe this medicine for other things:

• Reduce severe anxiety: It can also calm the mind by controlling certain brain activities.
• Before surgery: This medicine is sometimes given to calm the patient and make them sleepy before surgery.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

This is the most important part. Before you start using hydroxyzine, you should tell your doctor your complete health history. Especially if you have any of the conditions listed below.

• If you have glaucoma .
• If you have heart disease or a history of irregular heartbeat .
• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have liver disease .
• If you have lung or respiratory diseases such as asthma .
• If you have stomach or intestinal problems.
• If you have thyroid disease .
• If you have difficulty urinating.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to hydroxyzine, cetirizine, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .

It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor without hiding these things.

How exactly should I use this medicine?

The most important thing is to take the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor.

• This medicine should be taken orally . Swallow the tablet/capsule well with a glass of water.
• You can take it before or after meals, but if you feel like you're having an upset stomach, it's best to take it with food.
• Take your medicine at the prescribed intervals , as directed by your doctor. Do not take it more often than prescribed.
• If given to children: Although this can be prescribed for children over 6 years of age in some situations, special care should be taken. So talk to your doctor about it.
• If you are over 65: The effects of this medicine may be a little stronger in older people, so a lower dose is usually prescribed.

What to do if you overdose on medicine?

This is a very serious matter. If you have any suspicion that you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital without delay.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

Some medications and foods can interact with this medicine and cause problems. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

This list is not complete. Also tell your doctor about any other herbal medications, vitamins, smoking, or alcohol use you are taking.

What should I be careful about when taking the medicine?

• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel very sleepy and dizzy. Therefore , do not do anything that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
• Sudden changes in position: Don't suddenly go from sitting to standing, or from standing to sitting. Especially if you are elderly. Doing so can make you dizzy and faint.
• Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol can cause increased drowsiness. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
• Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect. You can control this by chewing sugarless gum, using a candy to soothe your mouth, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. If the problem persists, tell your doctor.
• Dry eyes: You may experience dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience discomfort. Lubricating drops can be used for this. If the problem is severe, see an ophthalmologist.

What side effects might I experience?

Like any medication, hydroxyzine can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.

Hydroxyzine, antihistamine, allergy, itching, anxiety, drowsiness