Name

hydroxyzine (Atarax®, Vistaril®)

Class

Antihistamine, Antiemetic, Antiaxiety

Description/Mechanism

Causes CNS depression and has anticholinergic, antiemetic, and antihistaminic activity. Its tranquilizing (ataractic) effect is produced primarily by depression of hypothalamus and brain-stem reticular formation, rather than cortical areas.

Onset

IM 15-30 min

Duration

4-6 hours

Indications

To potentiate the effects of analgesics

Nausea and vomiting

Anxiety reactions

Motion sickness

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Adverse Reactions

Dry mouth

Drowsiness

Drug Interactions

The potentiating action of hydroxyzine must be considered when the drug is used in conjunction with CNS depressants such as narcotics, barbiturates and alcohol

Supplied

25, 50mg/ml in 1 ml vials

Dose/Administration

Adult

25 – 100 mg deep IM

Pediatric

0.5 – 1.0 mg/kg/dose deep IM

Special Consideration

Pregnancy Safety: C

Hydroxyzine should be administered by deep IM injection only. Localized burning at the injection site is a common complaint.