Hydroxyzine Side Effects
Some side effects of hydroxyzine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.
For the Consumer
Applies to hydroxyzine: oral capsule, oral syrup, oral tablet
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking hydroxyzine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using hydroxyzine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
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tremor (uncontrolled shaking);
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confusion; or
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seizure (convulsions).
Less serious side effects of hydroxyzine may include:
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dizziness, drowsiness;
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blurred vision, dry mouth; or
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headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to hydroxyzine: compounding powder, intramuscular solution, oral capsule, oral suspension, oral syrup, oral tablet
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects have included moderate to slight drowsiness. This effect is usually transitory and may disappear with continued therapy or upon discontinuation of the agent. Headache, fatigue, depression, insomnia, sedation, and nervousness have also been reported with hydroxyzine. With higher than recommended doses of hydroxyzine, involuntary motor activity such as tremor and convulsions have been reported in rare instances.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects have included dry mouth (most common side effect), nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and increases in weight and appetite.
Respiratory
Respiratory side effects have included the thickening of bronchial secretions. Rare occurrences of pharyngitis, bronchospasm, and epistaxis have also been reported.
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular side effects have included palpitations, hypotension, and edema.
Dermatologic
Dermatologic side effects have included angioedema, photosensitivity, and rash.
Genitourinary
Genitourinary side effects have included rare cases of urinary retention and prolonged penile erections.
Ocular
Ocular side effects have included blurred vision.
More hydroxyzine resources
- hydroxyzine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Atarax Consumer Overview
- Atarax MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Atarax Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Hydroxyzine Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Hydroxyzine Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Vistaril Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Vistaril Consumer Overview
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