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Hydroxyzine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 20, 2023.

Applies to hydroxyzine: oral capsule, oral syrup, oral tablet. Other dosage forms:

Serious side effects of Hydroxyzine

Along with its needed effects, hydroxyzine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking hydroxyzine:

Incidence not known

  • Chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
  • cough
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • fast heartbeat
  • hives, itching, or skin rash
  • irregular or slow heart rate
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking hydroxyzine:

Symptoms of overdose

  • Decreased awareness or responsiveness
  • drowsiness
  • nausea
  • seizures
  • severe sleepiness
  • vomiting

Other side effects of Hydroxyzine

Some side effects of hydroxyzine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

  • Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
  • trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

Incidence not known

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to hydroxyzine: compounding powder, intramuscular solution, oral capsule, oral suspension, oral syrup, oral tablet.

General

The most commonly reported side effects included sleepiness, headache, and tiredness.[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Sleepiness (up to 13.74%)

Common (1% to 10%): Headache

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Convulsion, tremor

Frequency not reported: Anticholinergic activity, central nervous system (CNS) depression, drowsiness, incoordination, involuntary motor activity, psychomotor impairment, stimulation

Postmarketing reports: Dizziness, dyskinesia, dystonia, paresthesia, sedation, seizures, syncope[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Tiredness

Frequency not reported: Antimuscarinic effects, lassitude

Postmarketing reports: Asthenia, malaise, pyrexia, sudden death[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth

Postmarketing reports: Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: QT prolongation, Torsade de Pointes

Postmarketing reports: Cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, edema, hypotension, ventricular arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reaction

Postmarketing reports: Allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock, angioedema, hypersensitivity[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression

Postmarketing reports: Bronchospasm[Ref]

Dermatologic

Postmarketing reports: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), bullous condition (pemphigoids, toxic epidermal necrolysis), dermatitis, erythema, erythema multiforme, fixed drug eruptions, increased sweating, maculopapular rash, pruritus, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, urticaria[Ref]

Psychiatric

Postmarketing reports: Aggression, agitation, confusion, depression, disorientation, hallucination, insomnia, tics[Ref]

Genitourinary

Postmarketing reports: Dysuria, enuresis, urinary retention[Ref]

Ocular

Postmarketing reports: Accommodation disorder, blurred vision, oculogyric crisis[Ref]

Hepatic

Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis, liver function tests abnormal[Ref]

Hematologic

Postmarketing reports: Thrombocytopenia[Ref]

Metabolic

Postmarketing reports: Weight gain[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Product Information. Vistaril (hydroxyzine). Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals. 2001.

2. Product Information. Atarax (hydroxyzine). Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals. 2001.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer