Below are the general guidelines for dosing hydroxyzine. Note that these dosages may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis for individual patients. Always follow your prescribing physician’s instructions for taking hydroxyzine.
The following information comes from DailyMed, an FDA label information provider.
What if I miss a dose of Hydroxyzine?
If you miss a dose of hydroxyzine, take it as soon as possible, unless you are closer to your next day’s dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and wait until the next one.
Hydroxyzine is sometimes an “as needed” medication in which case it is okay not to take the medication every single day. It is important to follow your physician’s instructions.
What if I overdose on Hydroxyzine?
If you have overdosed on hydroxyzine, call for medical help immediately. Overdosing on hydroxyzine can result in several symptoms including:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Involuntary motor activity
The most common manifestation of hydroxyzine overdosage is hypersedation. As in the management of overdosage with any drug, it should be borne in mind that multiple agents may have been taken.
If vomiting has not occurred spontaneously, it should be induced. Immediate gastric lavage is also recommended. General supportive care, including frequent monitoring of the vital signs and close observation of the patient, is indicated. Hypotension, though unlikely, may be controlled with intravenous fluids and Levophed® (levarterenol), or Aramine® (metaraminol). Do not use epinephrine as hydroxyzine counteracts its pressor action.
There is no specific antidote. It is doubtful that hemodialysis would be of any value in the treatment of overdosage with hydroxyzine. However, if other agents such as barbiturates have been ingested concomitantly, hemodialysis may be indicated. There is no practical method to quantitate hydroxyzine in body fluids or tissue after its ingestion or administration.
How is Hydroxyzine administered?
For symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis and as an adjunct in organic disease states in which anxiety is manifested: in adults, 50-100 mg q.i.d.; children under 6 years, 50 mg daily in divided doses; and over 6 years, 50-100 mg daily in divided doses.
For use in the management of pruritus due to allergic conditions such as chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses, and in histamine-mediated pruritus: in adults, 25 mg three times a day or four times a day; children under 6 years, 50 mg daily in divided doses; and over 6 years, 50-100 mg daily in divided doses.
As a sedative when used as a premedication and following general anesthesia: 50-100 mg in adults, and 0.6 mg/kg per dose in children.
When treatment is initiated by the intramuscular route of administration, subsequent doses may be administered orally.
As with all medications, the dosage should be adjusted according to the patient’s response to therapy.
How is Hydroxyzine supplied?
Hydroxyzine Tablets
10 mg-orange tablets: 100’s (NDC 0049-5600-66)
25 mg-green tablets: 100’s (NDC 0049-5610-66),
500’s (NDC 0049-5610-73)
50 mg-yellow tablets: 100’s (NDC 0049-5620-66)
Hydroxyzine 100 Tablets
100 mg-red tablets: 100’s (NDC 0049-5630-66)
Hydroxyzine Syrup
10 mg per teaspoon (5 ml): 1-pint bottles (NDC 0049-5590-93)
Alcohol Content-Ethyl Alcohol-0.5% v/v
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