You probably also have times when you feel itchy, red, and irritated all over your body, or sometimes you just feel like you're carrying a lot of weight and worry, right? Maybe a doctor has prescribed you this syrup called Hydroxyzine. So, today we'll talk about what kind of medicine Hydroxyzine is, how to use it, and what we need to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is Hydroxyzine?
Simply put, Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine . When our body has an allergy, a chemical called histamine is produced. Imagine, when a mosquito bites you, it turns red. So what this Hydroxyzine does is reduce the activity of that histamine.
This medicine is mainly used for:
- Reduce allergies and symptoms caused by allergies, such as skin itching, eczema, and hives.
- Sometimes it is also given to reduce anxiety , that is, fear and nervousness.
- It is also used to induce sleep before certain surgical procedures.
You may have seen this medicine under the brand names `Vistaril` or `Vistaril Suspension`.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before using this medicine?
Before you take this medicine, there are a few things you should definitely tell your doctor. Because this medicine should be given with great care to people with certain medical conditions.
If you have any of these conditions, be sure to tell your doctor:
- Glaucoma ( a condition in which the pressure inside the eye increases)
- Heart disease (e.g. heart failure, previous heart attack)
- History of irregular heartbeat
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Lung or breathing disease , such as asthma.
- Stomach or intestine problems
- Thyroid disease
- Trouble passing urine
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to hydroxyzine, cetirizine, or any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
It is very important to tell your doctor about these things, because then he or she can decide whether this medication is right for you, whether they should give you another option, or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
Okay, how exactly do you use this medicine?
This medicine comes in the form of a suspension. This means that the medicine powder does not dissolve completely in the water, but rather floats in small particles.
- Therefore, you need to shake the bottle well before using it . Otherwise, you may not get the right amount of medicine.
- This medicine is to be taken orally. Take it with a glass of water.
- When measuring medication, do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons . They are not accurate. Use a specially marked spoon, dropper, or measuring cup provided by the pharmacy. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one.
- This medicine can be taken with or without food on an empty stomach.
- Take the medicine at the exact time and in the exact amount your doctor tells you. Do not take more than the prescribed amount or take it more often.
Should this medicine be given to small children?
Yes, sometimes this medicine is given to small children as well. But special care is definitely needed.
- Although this medicine can be given to children as young as 2 years old in some selected situations, there are many precautions to be taken.
- Therefore, never give this medicine to young children without the advice of a doctor. The doctor will determine the exact dosage based on the child's age, weight, and medical condition.
How about people over 65?
When older people take this medicine, they may have a stronger reaction to the medicine . This means they may experience more drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, doctors usually prescribe a smaller dose for them.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If that happens, meaning you think you've taken more medicine than you thought, go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately, or call a poison control center.
Most importantly: This medicine has been prescribed for you by your doctor. Never share your medicine with others, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What if I miss a dose? (Missed Dose)
Sometimes you forget to take your medicine. If you do, take the dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take double or extra doses, that is, do not take two doses at once, right?
What other medications (Drug Interactions) may interact with this medicine?
This is a very important point. Hydroxyzine can cause problems when taken with certain other medications.
Do not take Hydroxyzine with these medications:
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Pimozide
- Thioridazine
These are medications that can affect heart function, so taking them together with Hydroxyzine can be dangerous.
Also, you should be very careful when taking Hydroxyzine, even with the following:
- Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
- Other types of antihistamines (other pills, syrups for allergies, coughs, colds)
- Atropine
- Barbiturate-type medications (medications used to help sleep and treat epilepsy, e.g. phenobarbital)
- Some antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin)
- Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
- Some medications for bladder problems (e.g., oxybutynin, tolterodine)
- Some medications for depression or psychotic disturbances
- Some medications for irregular heartbeat
- Some medications for Parkinson's disease (e.g., benztropine, trihexyphenidyl)
- Some medications for epilepsy (e.g. phenobarbital, primidone)
- Some medications for stomach problems (e.g. dicyclomine, hyoscyamine)
- Some medications used to prevent motion sickness while traveling (e.g., scopolamine)
- Ipratropium
- Narcotic medications for pain
- Other medications that prolong the QT interval (these can cause abnormal heart rhythms, e.g. dofetilide)
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications (prescribed or over-the-counter), herbs, and dietary supplements you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. Some things can interact with your medication.
What other things should you be careful about when taking the medicine?
- If your symptoms do not improve, tell your doctor.
- This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, you should avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other activities that require concentration until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Don't get up suddenly, especially if you're elderly. Sit down and stand up slowly. This will reduce the chance of dizziness and falling.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can change the effects of this medicine and may increase drowsiness.
- Your mouth may be dry. If this happens, chew sugarless gum, suck on sugarless candy, and drink more water. If this problem persists, it's okay. If it's very bothersome, talk to your doctor.
- This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience some discomfort. Lubricating drops may be used. If the problem persists, see an ophthalmologist. If it is severe, see a doctor.
- If you are going to have skin tests for allergies, tell the doctor that you are taking this medicine.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Hydroxyzine can cause some side effects. Not everyone gets them, but it's good to be aware of them.
If you experience any of these side effects, tell your doctor or healthcare team immediately:
- Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Heart rhythm changes: Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing.
These side effects usually do not require medical treatment, but tell your doctor if they persist or bother you:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- Headache
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other discomfort, please tell your doctor.
How do you store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius / 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not freeze.
- Protect from light.
- Discard expired medications. Throw away unused medications after they expire.
Take-Home Message
Okay, so we've talked a lot about Hydroxyzine, haven't we? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- This is an antihistamine, used for things like allergies and anxiety.
- Take it exactly as the doctor tells you, in the amount prescribed, and at the time prescribed.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking.
- Taking the medicine may cause drowsiness, so be careful when driving or doing hazardous work.
- Never take it with alcohol.
- Do not give your medicine to others.
- If giving to small children, follow the doctor's instructions.
Remember, this article provides general information only. If you have any further questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider who is treating you. They can give you advice that is specific to your condition.
` Hydroxyzine, Allergy, Anxiety, Drowsiness, Antihistamine, Side Effects
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