Suppresses activity in key subcortical CNS regions; has antihistaminic, sedative, bronchodilator, and analgesic effects.

For symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension (psychoneurosis and organic disease states).

Useful in the management of pruritus due to allergic conditions.

As a sedative when used as premedication and following general anesthesia, hydrOXYzine may potentiate meperidine and barbiturates, so their use in pre-anesthetic adjunctive therapy should be modified on an individual basis.

Anxiety: Adults 50–100 mg q.i.d.; Children: under 6 years 50 mg/day, over 6 years 50–100 mg/day in divided doses

Pruritus: Adults 25 mg t.i.d. or q.i.d.; same pediatric dosing as above

Sedation (premedication/general anesthesia): Adults 50–100 mg; Children 0.6 mg/kg

Side effects reported with the administration of hydrOXYzine hydrochloride are usually mild and transitory in nature.

• Drowsiness (usually transient)

• Dry mouth

• Rare: tremors, convulsions at high doses

HydrOXYzine, when administered to the pregnant mouse, rat, and rabbit, induced fetal abnormalities in the rat and mouse at doses substantially above the human therapeutic range. Clinical data in human beings are inadequate to establish safety in early pregnancy. Until such data are available, hydrOXYzine is contraindicated in early pregnancy.

HydrOXYzine is contraindicated for patients who have shown a previous hypersensitivity to it.

• Potentiates CNS depressants and alcohol—use cautiously

• May cause drowsiness—caution with driving/machinery

• Adjust dose in elderly; monitor for confusion/oversedation