$Unique_ID{BRK03187}
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$Title{hydroxyzine}
$Subject{Anxanil EconoMed Atarax Roerig hydrochloride pamoate Vistaril Pfizer
Antihistamine sedative/hypnotic hydroxyzine histamine allergic reaction
allergy sleeping aid anxiety tension}
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Atarax 10 mg*0318701.scf
Atarax 25 mg*0318702.scf
Vistaril*0318703.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


hydroxyzine
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Anxanil (EconoMed)
     Atarax (Roerig)
     hydroxyzine hydrochloride (various manufacturers)
     hydroxyzine pamoate (various manufacturers)
     Vistaril (Pfizer)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antihistamine and sedative/hypnotic

INGREDIENT

     hydroxyzine

DOSAGE FORMS

     Tablets (10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg)
     Capsules (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg)
     Oral syrup (10 mg per 5-ml spoonful, with 0.5% alcohol)
     Oral suspension (25 mg per 5-ml spoonful)

STORAGE

     Hydroxyzine tablets, capsules, oral syrup, and oral suspension should be
stored at room temperature in tightly closed, light-resistant containers.
This medication should never be frozen.

USES

     Hydroxyzine belongs to a group of drugs known as antihistamines
(antihistamines block the action of histamine, which is a chemical that is
released by the body during an allergic reaction).  This medication is used to
treat or prevent symptoms of allergy.  It is also used as a sleeping aid and
to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and tension.

TREATMENT

     To avoid stomach upset, you can take hydroxyzine with food or with a full
glass of milk or water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     The oral suspension form of this medication should be shaken well just
before measuring each dose.  The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the
bottle, so it is necessary to shake the container to distribute the
ingredients evenly and equalize the doses.  Each dose of the oral syrup or
oral suspension should be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml
measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough for
medical purposes.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.  In that case, don't
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Drowsiness or dry mouth.  These side effects should disappear as your
body adjusts to the medication.
     Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or by sucking on ice
chips or a piece of hard candy.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
convulsions, feeling faint, irritability, mental confusion, rash, or trembling
or shakiness.

INTERACTIONS

     Hydroxyzine can interact with other types of drugs:  Concurrent use of it
with other central nervous system depressants (such as alcohol, barbiturates,
benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications,
and phenothiazine tranquilizers) or with tricyclic antidepressants can cause
extreme drowsiness.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about allergic or unusual reactions you have had to
medications, especially to hydroxyzine or to any other antihistamines (such as
azatadine, brompheniramine, carbinoxamine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine,
cyproheptadine, dexchlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, dimethindene,
diphenhydramine, diphenylpyraline, doxylamine, promethazine, pyrilamine,
trimeprazine, tripelennamine, and triprolidine).
     * Hydroxyzine can cause drowsiness or dizziness.  Your ability to perform
tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially
dangerous machinery, may be decreased.  Appropriate caution should, therefore,
be taken.
     * Elderly patients may be more sensitive to side effects, especially
drowsiness, confusion, and irritability.  Report any such effects to your
doctor.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The effects of this
medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of
hydroxyzine pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.