Key facts about Vistaril
What is Vistaril?
Vistaril is the brand name of hydroxyzinie hydrochloride and is available as an oral capsule and suspension.
What dosages is Vistaril available in?
Vistaril is available as a 25 mg, and 50 mg oral capsule and a 25 mg/5 ml oral suspension.
What is Vistaril used for?
Vistaril is an antihistamine that is used to treat anxiety and itching.
How does Vistaril work?
Vistaril is an antihistamine. It helps treat itching by stopping the effects of a natural chemical in the body called histamine. It also works on chemicals that can cause anxiety (like serotonin) in the brain.
How do I take Vistaril?
Vistaril is typically taken by mouth 3 to 4 times a day.
Is it safe for me to take Vistaril?
Vistaril is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not take this medication if you have a known prolonged QT interval or a known hypersensitivity to hydroxyzine products, cetirizine hydrochloride or levocetirizine hydrochloride.
Vistaril Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Vistaril include:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Trouble urinating
- Blurred vision
Vistaril Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Vistaril. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Excessive sleepiness or dizziness
- Changes in heartbeat (feels like it’s racing)
- Allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, rash, swelling in your face, lips, or tongue
- Serious skin reaction: fever, rash or small blisters on skin
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Vistaril
The following medications may interact with Vistaril:
- Other CNS depressants – Excessive drowsiness can occur.
- Drugs known to prolong the QT interval – Examples include Class 1A (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmics, certain antipsychotics (e.g., ziprasidone, iloperidone, clozapine, quetiapine, chlorpromazine), certain antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine), certain antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin); and others (e.g., pentamidine, methadone, ondansetron, droperidol)
Who makes Vistaril?
Pfizer Inc.
Is Vistaril safe in pregnancy?
Vistaril may cause harm to your unborn baby, based on animal studies. It is contraindicated during early pregnancy. Talk with your healthcare provider about the risks of taking Vistaril if you become pregnant.
