Sometimes your doctor may prescribe a liquid medicine to take for an allergy, or for a little anxiety, or before surgery. Hydroxyzine is one such medicine. So today, let's talk about what this medicine is, how exactly it should be used, and what things to be careful about.
What is Hydroxyzine?
Simply put, Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine . When our body has an allergy, it produces a chemical called histamine . Imagine that when a mosquito bites, it makes your skin itch and turn red. So what this medicine does is block the action of that histamine.
This is mainly used:
- Allergies: Reduce allergy symptoms such as skin itching, eczema, and hives.
- Anxiety: Reduce nervousness and anxiety and calm the mind.
- Before surgery: This medicine is given to calm the patient and make them sleepy before some surgeries.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor will ask you some questions. However, if you have any of the conditions listed below, you should definitely tell your doctor . This is very important for your safety.
| Condition/Occasion | Description |
|---|---|
| Heart disease | If you have heart disease or an irregular heartbeat. |
| Glaucoma | If you have glaucoma, a condition where the pressure in the eye increases. |
| Kidney or liver disease | If you have problems with kidney or liver function. |
| Breathing difficulties | If you have lung diseases like asthma. |
| Other health problems | Thyroid problems, difficulty urinating, intestinal problems. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to Hydroxyzine, Cetirizine or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How should I use the medicine?
Since this is a liquid medicine, it is very important to take the exact dose prescribed.
- Drink a glass of water before taking the medicine.
- Most importantly: Use only a specially marked medicine cup or dropper to measure your medicine. Do not use the teaspoons or tablespoons you have in your kitchen. They are not accurate. You may end up taking too much or too little medicine.
- You can take this medicine before or after meals, but do it exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Take your medicine at the right time, at the right intervals. Do not take more than the doctor tells you to.
If you give it to children...
This medicine is also prescribed for children over 2 years of age for some conditions. However, it requires special care. The doctor's instructions should be followed exactly.
For those over 65...
If an elderly person takes this medication, they may feel the effects of the medication a little stronger. Therefore, a lower dose is usually prescribed.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Treat this as an emergency.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Hydroxyzine is a medication that can interact with other medications, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
It is important to avoid taking Hydroxyzine with the following medications:
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Pimozide
- Thioridazine
In addition, this medicine may interact with the following:
- Alcohol
- Other antihistamines for coughs, colds, and allergies
- Sleeping pills, medicines for seizures (e.g. phenobarbital)
- Some medications for anxiety
- Some medications for depression
- Some antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin)
- Medication for irregular heartbeat
- Narcotic medications
- Other medications that prolong the QT interval (these can cause heart rhythm abnormalities)
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including herbs, vitamins, and supplements. Don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Hydroxyzine can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Serious allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Drowsiness/dizziness | This medicine may make you feel sleepy or dizzy. Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. |
| Dry mouth | Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on candy, and drinking plenty of water can help. If this problem persists, tell your doctor . |
| Other | Headache, confusion, dry eyes, and blurred vision. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius).
- Never put it in the freezer.
- Place it in a place where it is not exposed to direct light.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Hydroxyzine is a medication that should only be used under the advice of a doctor.
- Always use the measuring cup or dropper provided to measure medicine. Do not use kitchen spoons.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take, even vitamins.
- This medicine may cause drowsiness, so be careful when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving.
- If you experience changes in your heartbeat, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any further questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor.
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