Hydroxyzine oral suspension

What is this medicine?

HYDROXYZINE (hye DROX i zeen) is an antihistamine. This medicine is used to treat allergy symptoms. It is also used to treat anxiety and tension. This medicine can be used with other medicines to induce sleep before surgery.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure every dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You may take this medicine with food or on an empty stomach. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in vision

• confusion

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• seizures

• tremor

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• headache

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride

• dofetilide

• dronedarone

• pimozide

• thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold

• atropine

• barbiturate medicines for sleep or seizures, like phenobarbital

• certain antibiotics like erythromycin or clarithromycin

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for depression or psychotic disturbances

• certain medicines for irregular heart beat

• certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl

• certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone

• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

• ipratropium

• narcotic medicines for pain

• other medicines that prolong the QT interval (an abnormal heart rhythm)

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• glaucoma

• heart disease

• history of irregular heartbeat

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• stomach or intestine problems

• thyroid disease

• trouble passing urine

• an unusual or allergic reaction to hydroxyzine, cetirizine, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

If you are receiving skin tests for allergies, tell your doctor you are taking this medicine.