Warning - This article discusses the use of an anticholinergic drug. When treating those with Alzheimer's disease or Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) extreme caution should be shown since while the drug may appear to help the condition it is meant to treat, it can also block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which in these diseases may already be insufficient in quantity. This may lead to an overall long-term worsening of the disease -- especially how the disease affects the patient's memory.
Manifests anticholinergic, antiemetic, antispasmodic, local anesthetic, antihistaminic, and skeletal relaxant effects. Has mild antiarrhythmic activity and mild analgesic effects. High sedative and antiemetic effects and moderate anticholinergic activity. Onset: 15-30 min. t1/2: 3 hr. Duration: 4-6 hr. Metabolized by the liver and excreted through the urine. The pamoate salt is believed to be converted to the hydrochloride in the stomach.
Symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis. Anxiety observed in organic disease. Prior to dental procedures, in acute emotional problems, in alcoholism, allergic conditions with strong emotional overlay (e.g., chronic urticaria and pruritus). Beneficial to the cardiac client to allay anxiety and apprehension occurring with certain types of heart disease. Pruritus caused by allergic conditions.
Acute hysteria or agitation, withdrawal symptoms (including delirium tremens) in the acute or chronic alcoholic. Pre- and postoperative and pre- and postpartum adjunct to allay anxiety, to control emesis or to allow a decrease in dosage of narcotics.
Pregnancy (especially early) or lactation; treatment of morning sickness during pregnancy or as sole agent for treatment of psychoses or depression. Hypersensitivity to drug. IV, SC, or intra-arterially.
Possible increased anticholinergic and sedative effects in geriatric clients.
Low incidence at recommended dosages. Drowsiness, dryness of mouth, involuntary motor activity (rarely, tremors and convulsions), ECG abnormalities (e.g., alterations in T-waves), dizziness, urticaria, skin reactions, hypersensitivity. Worsening of porphyria. Marked discomfort, induration, and even gangrene at site of IM injection.
Oversedation
Immediate induction of vomiting or performance of gastric lavage. General supportive care with monitoring of VS. Control hypotension with IV fluids and either norepinephrine or metaraminol (epinephrine should not be used).
Additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.
Hydroxyzine hydrochloride: Injection: 25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL; Syrup: 10 mg/5 mL; Tablet: 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg. Hydroxyzine pamoate: Capsule: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg; Suspension: 25 mg/5 mL
Adults: 50-100 mg q.i.d.
Adults: 25-100 mg; pediatric, 1.1 mg/kg. Switch to PO as soon as possible.
Adults: 25 mg t.i.d. or q.i.d.
Adults: 50-100 mg. Children: 0.6 mg/kg.
