Vistaril is not a cortical depressant, but its action may be due to a suppression of activity in certain key regions of the subcortical area of the central nervous system.

For symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis and as an adjunct in organic disease states in which anxiety is manifested.

The average dosing in adults, 50 to 100 mg 4 times daily; children under 6 years, 50 mg daily in divided doses; and over 6 years, 50 to 100 mg daily in divided doses.

Side effects reported with the administration of Vistaril are usually mild and transitory in nature. The side effects include Skin and Appendages (Oral hydroxyzine hydrochloride is associated with Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP) and fixed drug eruptions in post- marketing reports); Anticholinergic (dry mouth); Central Nervous System (Drowsiness, Involuntary motoractivity, including rare instances of tremor and convulsions, has been reported, usually with doses considerably higher than those recommended); Cardiac System(QT prolongation, Torsade de Pointes.) In post-marketing experience, the following additional undesirable effects have been reported: Body as a Whole: allergic reaction, Nervous System: headache, Psychiatric: hallucination, Skin and Appendages: pruritus, rash, urticaria.

Hydroxyzine is contraindicated in patients with a prolonged QT interval. Hydroxyzine pamoate is contraindicated for patients who have shown a previous hypersensitivity to any component of this medication. Hydroxyzine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to hydroxyzine products, and in patients with known hypersensitivity to cetirizine hydrochloride or levocetirizine hydrochloride.

THE POTENTIATING ACTION OF HYDROXYZINE MUST BE CONSIDERED WHEN THE DRUG IS USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANTS SUCH AS NARCOTICS, NON-NARCOTIC ANALGESICS AND BARBITURATES.