Hydroxyzine HCl

A to Z Drug Facts

 Action May be caused by suppression of activity in subcortical areas of CNS.

 Indications Symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis; adjunct therapy in organic disease states with anxiety; management of pruritus caused by allergic conditions; sedative before and after general anesthesia (PO only).

IM route only: Relief of anxiety in acutely disturbed or hysterical patient; treatment of alcoholic delirium tremens or anxiety withdrawal symptoms; preoperative and postoperative and prepartum and postpartum adjunctive medication to permit reduction in narcotic dosage; alleviation of anxiety; control of emesis; adjunctive therapy in asthma.

 Contraindications Standard considerations.

 Route/Dosage

Anxiety Adults: PO/IM 50 to 100 mg qid.

Children over 6 yr: PO 50 to 100 mg/day in divided doses.

Children less than 6 yr: PO 50 mg/day in divided doses.

Pruritus Adults: PO/IM 25 mg tid to qid.

Children over 6 yr: PO 50 to 100 mg/day in divided doses.

Children less than 6 yr: PO 50 mg/day in divided doses.

Sedation Adults: PO 50 to 100 mg.

Children: PO 0.6 mg/kg.

Psychiatric and Emotional Emergencies (ie, including acute alcoholism) Adults: IM 50 to 100 mg stat and q 4 to 6 hr prn.

Nausea, Vomiting, and Analgesia (Adjunct) Adults: IM 25 to 100 mg.

Children: IM 1.1 mg/kg.

Preoperative and Postoperative Administration Adults: IM 25 to 100 mg.

Children: IM 1.1 mg/kg.

Prepartum and Postpartum Administration Adults: IM 25 to 100 mg.

 Interactions

Alcohol and CNS depressants: CNS depressant effects may be increased.

 Lab Test Interferences None well documented.

 Adverse Reactions

CARDIOVASCULAR: Chest tightness. CNS: Transitory drowsiness; involuntary motor activity, including tremor and convulsions. GI: Dry mouth. RESPIRATORY: Hypersensitivity reactions (eg, wheezing, shortness of breath).

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Safety not established; avoid use. Lactation: Undetermined.

 Administration/Storage

• Injectable form is for IM use.
• Administer oral dose with meals to enhance absorption.
• Shake suspension well before administration.

 Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies.
• Monitor lying and standing BP and pulse periodically throughout course of therapy.
• Assess degree of nausea and frequency and amount of emesis.
• Assist with ambulation during initial course of therapy.
• If CNS symptoms of dizziness or drowsiness occur, take safety precautions (eg, side rails up, bed low, assist with ambulation).
• Notify health care provider if paradoxical CNS symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia, euphoria, tremors, or seizures occur.

 Patient/Family Education

• Emphasize that drug is not to be used for every day stress and should not be used for more than 4 mo.
• Advise patient that drug may cause drowsiness and other CNS reactions and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness.
• Instruct patient to avoid intake of alcoholic beverages or any other CNS depressant drugs (eg, sleeping pills) while taking this drug.
• Advise patient to avoid sudden position changes to prevent orthostatic hypotension.
• Tell patient to avoid OTC medications unless approved by health care provider.
• Instruct patient to report the following symptoms to health care provider: tremor, seizures, dizziness, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, involuntary movements, dry mouth.
• Instruct patient to take sips of water frequently, suck on ice chips or sugarless hard candy, or chew sugarless gum if dry mouth occurs.
• Caution patient not to discontinue drug abruptly.

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Copyright © 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts