Hydroxyzine Hcl 25mg/ml Inj 1ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the proper storage procedure.
In the event that you miss a dose, contact your doctor to receive guidance on the appropriate course of action.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Avoid alcohol and other sedating medications while taking hydroxyzine, as this can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you, as it can cause significant drowsiness.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially those that can cause drowsiness or affect your heart rhythm.
- Stay hydrated to help with dry mouth, a common side effect.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Hydroxyzine Pamoate 100mg Capsules
- Hydroxyzine 10mg/5ml Syrup
- Hydroxyzine 50mg/ml Inj, 1ml
- Hydroxyzine Hcl 50mg/ml For Inj
- Hydroxyzine Hcl 25mg/ml Inj 1ml
- Hydroxyzine Hcl 25mg Tabs (white)
- Hydroxyzine Hcl 50mg Tabs (white)
- Hydroxyzine Hcl 10mg Tablets
- Hydroxyzine Pamoate 25mg Capsules
- Hydroxyzine 10mg/5ml Syrup
- Hydroxyzine Pamoate 50mg Capsules
- Hydroxyzine Pamoate 25mg Capsules
- Hydroxyzine Hcl 25mg Tabs
- Hydroxyzine Pamoate 50mg Capsules
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Severe dizziness or fainting
Difficulty controlling body movements
Confusion
A rare but serious skin reaction, characterized by:
+ Fever
+ Multiple small skin spots within large areas of redness and swelling
Tissue damage at the injection site, which may lead to surgery. Inform your nurse if you experience:
+ Burning
+ Color changes
+ Pain
+ Skin breakdown
+ Swelling where the shot was given
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor:
Dry mouth
* Drowsiness
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe drowsiness or dizziness that interferes with daily activities
- Difficulty breathing or shallow breathing
- Irregular or fast heartbeat, palpitations, or fainting (seek immediate medical attention)
- Severe confusion or hallucinations
- Difficulty urinating
- Unusual muscle movements or tremors
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
A history of prolonged QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG).
If you are in the early stages of pregnancy. It is crucial to avoid taking this medication during early pregnancy.
If you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while taking this medication.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is vital to discuss all your medications (including prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine whether it is safe to take this medication in combination with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
Prior to consuming alcohol, using marijuana or other forms of cannabis, or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that may impair your reactions, consult with your doctor. This precaution is crucial because combining these substances with this medication can increase the risk of adverse effects.
This drug has been associated with a potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorder known as long QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG), which may increase the risk of sudden death. Discuss this risk with your doctor to understand the implications.
Rarely, the use of this medication in combination with alcohol or certain other drugs that slow your reactions has resulted in severe heart problems and, in some cases, death. It is vital to discuss this risk with your doctor to ensure safe use.
If you are 65 years or older, exercise caution when using this drug, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor. It is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy to make an informed decision.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe sedation
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Slurred speech
- Ataxia (loss of coordination)
- Seizures
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- QT prolongation
- Respiratory depression
- Coma
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion was recent. Activated charcoal may be administered. Monitor vital signs, cardiac rhythm (ECG), and respiratory status. Naloxone may be considered if opioids are co-ingested. Physostigmine may be used for severe anticholinergic symptoms but carries risks.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., Class IA and III antiarrhythmics, certain antipsychotics, macrolide antibiotics, fluoroquinolones, methadone, ondansetron) due to risk of Torsades de Pointes.
- Other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates) if severe additive effects are unacceptable.
Major Interactions
- CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, other sedatives, hypnotics): Increased CNS depression, sedation, respiratory depression.
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, atropine, scopolamine, certain antipsychotics): Increased anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation).
- QT-prolonging drugs: Increased risk of QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes (even if not strictly contraindicated, caution is advised).
Moderate Interactions
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): May prolong and intensify the anticholinergic and CNS depressant effects of hydroxyzine.
- Betahistine: Hydroxyzine may antagonize the effects of betahistine.
- Adrenergic agonists (e.g., epinephrine): Hydroxyzine may antagonize the pressor effects of epinephrine.
Minor Interactions
- Not available
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To identify contraindications or conditions requiring dose adjustment/caution.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess baseline QT interval due to risk of QT prolongation.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Regularly, especially after initial doses and dose changes
Target: Desired level of sedation without excessive drowsiness or impairment
Action Threshold: Excessive sedation, somnolence, or paradoxical excitation
Frequency: Periodically, especially in hospitalized patients
Target: Within normal limits for the patient
Action Threshold: Significant bradycardia, tachycardia, or hypotension
Frequency: Regularly
Target: Appropriate for desired effect
Action Threshold: Confusion, disorientation, delirium
Symptom Monitoring
- Excessive drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Urinary retention
- Constipation
- Confusion
- Tremor
- Involuntary muscle movements
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat (seek immediate medical attention)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Category C. Should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Avoid use, especially in early pregnancy, due to potential for fetal harm (e.g., cleft palate, limb deformities observed in animal studies at high doses).
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Excreted into breast milk. Use is generally not recommended due to potential for infant sedation, irritability, and anticholinergic effects. Consider alternative agents or temporary discontinuation of breastfeeding.
Pediatric Use
Use with caution. Dosing is weight-based. Children may experience paradoxical excitation. Monitor closely for sedation and anticholinergic effects. Not recommended for neonates or infants.
Geriatric Use
Increased sensitivity to sedative and anticholinergic effects (e.g., confusion, urinary retention, constipation, dry mouth). Increased risk of falls. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly. Avoid if possible in elderly patients with cognitive impairment or prostatic hypertrophy. Consider Beers Criteria recommendations.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Hydroxyzine injection is for intramuscular (IM) use only. It must NOT be administered intravenously (IV), subcutaneously (SC), or intra-arterially due to the risk of severe tissue damage, necrosis, and gangrene.
- When administering IM, use the Z-track method in a large muscle (e.g., gluteal region in adults, vastus lateralis in children) to minimize irritation and leakage into subcutaneous tissue.
- Due to its anticholinergic properties, use with caution in patients with glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, or bladder neck obstruction.
- Monitor for QT prolongation, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions or those on other QT-prolonging medications.
- The active metabolite, cetirizine, is also an antihistamine and contributes to the overall effect and duration of action.
Alternative Therapies
- For anxiety: Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam), buspirone, SSRIs/SNRIs (for chronic anxiety).
- For sedation: Diphenhydramine, promethazine, benzodiazepines.
- For pruritus: Other antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine for less sedation; diphenhydramine for more sedation), topical corticosteroids.