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Drug Information Abjad H
Drug Information Abjad H
IMPORTANT WARNING:
[Posted 06/16/2008] FDA notified healthcare professionals that both conventional and atypical
antipsychotics are associated with an increased risk of mortality in elderly patients treated for dementia-
related psychosis. In April 2005, FDA notified healthcare professionals that patients with dementia-
related psychosis treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Since
issuing that notification, FDA has reviewed additional information that indicates the risk is also
associated with conventional antipsychotics. Antipsychotics are not indicated for the treatment of
dementia-related psychosis. The prescribing information for all antipsychotic drugs will now include the
same information about this risk in a BOXED WARNING and the WARNINGS section. For more
information visit the FDA website at:
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Antipsychotics,
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/InfoSheets/HCP/antipsychotics_conventional.htm and
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01851.html.
Haloperidol is used to treat psychotic disorders and symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and
hostility and to control muscular tics of the face, neck, hands, and shoulders. It is also used to treat
severe behavioral problems in children and in hyperactive children (short-term use).
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available
information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.
Haloperidol comes as a tablet and liquid concentrate to take by mouth. It usually is taken two or three
times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take haloperidol exactly as directed. Do not
take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
The liquid concentrate must be diluted before use. It comes with a specially marked dropper for
measuring the dose. Ask your pharmacist to show you how to use the dropper if you have difficulty. To
dilute the liquid concentrate, add it to at least 2 ounces of milk, water, orange juice, or grapefruit juice
just before you take it. If any beverage gets on the dropper, rinse the dropper with tap water before
replacing it in the bottle. Do not allow the liquid concentrate to touch your skin or clothing; it can irritate
your skin. If you spill the liquid concentrate on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
Continue to take haloperidol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking haloperidol without talking to your
doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will decrease
your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available
information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.
Haloperidol is also used to prevent and control nausea and vomiting. Talk to your doctor about the
possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available
information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at
evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose when it is almost time for your next
scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available
information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.
Side effects from haloperidol are common. Your urine may turn pink or reddish-brown; this effect is not
harmful. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
drowsiness
dry mouth
constipation
restlessness
headache
weight gain
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
tremor
restlessness or pacing
fine worm-like tongue movements
unusual face, mouth, or jaw movements
shuffling walk
slow, jerky movements
seizures or convulsions
fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
difficulty urinating or loss of bladder control
confusion
eye pain or discoloration
difficulty breathing or fast breathing
fever
skin rash
severe muscle stiffness
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual bleeding or bruising
yellowing of the skin or eyes
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug
Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at
http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at
room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Protect the liquid
from light. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist
about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has
collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available
information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to
check your response to haloperidol.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about
refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-
counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary
supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a
hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Brand name(s):
Hydralazine is used to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood
can flow more easily through the body.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.
Hydralazine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two to four a day at evenly spaced
intervals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist
to explain any part you do not understand. Take hydralazine exactly as directed. Do not take more or
less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Hydralazine controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take hydralazine even if you
feel well. Do not stop taking hydralazine without talking to your doctor.
Hydralazine is also used after heart valve replacement and in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to hydralazine, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow
dye in some processed foods and medications), or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are
taking, especially indomethacin (Indocin), metoprolol (Lopressor), propranolol (Inderal), and
vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had coronary artery disease, rheumatic heart disease,
kidney or liver disease, or a heart attack.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you
become pregnant while taking hydralazine, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking
hydralazine.
ask your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking hydralazine. Alcohol can
make the side effects from hydralazine worse.
Your doctor may prescribe a low-salt or low-sodium diet. Follow these directions carefully.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for
a missed one.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
fainting
joint or muscle pain
unexplained fever
rapid heartbeat
chest pain
swollen ankles or feet
numbing or tingling in hands or feet
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug
Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at
http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store at
room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of
your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has
collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked
regularly to determine your response to hydralazine.
Your doctor may ask you to check your blood pressure daily. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to teach
you how.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about
refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-
counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary
supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a
hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Other name(s):
Apresoline
Hydrochlorothiazide, a 'water pill,' is used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention caused by
various conditions, including heart disease. It causes the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt
from the body into the urine.
This medicine is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.
Hydrochlorothiazide comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken once or twice a
day. If you are to take it once a day, take it in the morning; if you are to take it twice a day, take it in the
morning and in the late afternoon to avoid going to the bathroom during the night. Take this medication
with meals or a snack. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed.
Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Hydrochlorothiazide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take
hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking hydrochlorothiazide without talking to your
doctor.
Hydrochlorothiazide may also be used to treat patients with diabetes insipidus and certain electrolyte
disturbances and to prevent kidney stones in patients with high levels of calcium in their blood. Talk to
your doctor about the possible risks of using this medicine for your condition.
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, or any
other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are
taking, especially other medicines for high blood pressure, anti-inflammatory medications such
as ibuprofen (Motrin, Nuprin) or naproxen (Aleve), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), lithium
(Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for diabetes, probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins. If you also
are taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take it at least 1 hour after hydrochlorothiazide.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, gout, or kidney, liver, thyroid, or
parathyroid disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you
become pregnant while taking hydrochlorothiazide, call your doctor immediately.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking
hydrochlorothiazide.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate
machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing,
sunglasses, and sunscreen. Hydrochlorothiazide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
Follow your doctor's directions. They may include following a daily exercise program or a low-salt or
low-sodium diet, potassium supplements, and increased amounts of potassium-rich foods (e.g.,
bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice) in your diet.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Frequent urination should go away after you take hydrochlorothiazide for a few weeks. Tell your doctor
if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
muscle weakness
dizziness
cramps
thirst
stomach pain
upset stomach
vomiting
diarrhea
loss of appetite
headache
hair loss
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug
Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at
http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at
room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not allow the
oral liquid to freeze. Throw away any medicine that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medicine.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has
collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked
regularly, and blood tests should be done occasionally.
Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling
your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-
counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary
supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a
hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Brand name(s):
The combination of hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin eliminates bacteria that cause ear, eye,
and skin infections and relieves pain, inflammation, redness, and itching.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.
This combination of drugs comes in eardrops, eyedrops, and a skin cream. For eye infections, this
medication usually is used every 3 to 4 hours; for ear and skin infections, it usually is used two to four
times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use this combination exactly as directed. Do
not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not use this
medication for more than 10 days. If your infection does not improve within 1 week or if it worsens, call
your doctor.
To apply the eardrops, follow these directions (to make this procedure easier, have someone else
insert the drops):
Gently clean and dry your ear with a sterile cotton swab.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Check the dropper to make sure it is not chipped or cracked.
The eardrops must be kept clean. Avoid touching the dropper against your ear, fingers, or any
other source of contamination.
Warm the drops to near (but not higher than) body temperature by holding the container in
your hand for a few minutes.
If the drops are a cloudy suspension (not a clear solution), shake the container well for 10
seconds.
Draw some medication into the dropper.
Tilt your head so that the affected ear is up, or lie on your side with the affected ear up.
To allow the drops to run in, hold the ear lobe up and back for an adult and hold the ear lobe
down and back for a child.
Place the prescribed number of drops in your ear and keep your ear tilted up for 5 minutes. To
avoid injury, do not insert the dropper into your ear.
If you prefer, insert a soft cotton gauze wick plug (ask your doctor or pharmacist to
recommend a product) and saturate it with the eardrops. Keep the cotton moist by adding
eardrops every 4 hours or as directed by your doctor, and replace the cotton every 24 hours.
Wash your hands to remove any medicine.
To apply the eyedrops, shake the bottle well and follow these directions:
To use the skin cream, wash the affected skin area thoroughly. Then apply a small amount of cream
and rub it in gently. If you use the cream on your face, keep it out of your eyes.
When using the cream, do not bandage or otherwise wrap your skin unless directed by your doctor. Do
not apply this medication to other areas of the body unless directed by your doctor.
Do not apply cosmetics or other skin preparations to the treated skin area without talking with your
doctor.
If you use this medication on a child's diaper area, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.
Such use may increase side effects.
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to hydrocortisone, neomycin, polymixin, or
any other drugs.
tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially
cancer chemotherapy agents, other topical medications, and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, a heart attack, diabetes,
glaucoma, cataracts, a perforated eardrum, a circulation disorder, or an immune disorder.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you
become pregnant while using hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin, call your doctor
immediately.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
Hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
itching
burning
pain
swelling
drying or cracking of the skin
acne
change in skin color
blurred vision
hearing difficulty
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug
Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at
http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it
according to the package instructions. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer
needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medications.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about
refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-
counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary
supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a
hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Brand name(s):
Other name(s):
Hydrocortisone may be prescribed by your doctor to relieve the itching, redness, dryness, crusting,
scaling, inflammation, and discomfort of various skin conditions; the inflammation of ulcerative colitis
or proctitis; or the swelling and discomfort of hemorrhoids and other rectal problems.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.
Hydrocortisone comes as ointment, cream, lotion, liquid, gel, medicated cloth towelette, and spray for
use on the skin; foam, suppositories, cream, ointment, and enema for rectal use; and paste for use in
the mouth.
Hydrocortisone is usually used one to four times a day for skin problems.
For mouth sores, it usually is applied two or three times a day after meals and at bedtime. If mouth
sores do not begin to heal within 7 days, call your doctor.
For colitis, hydrocortisone usually is used every night or twice a day (every morning and night) for 2 or
3 weeks. Although colitis symptoms may improve within 3-5 days, 2-3 months of regular enema use
may be required. Call your doctor if your colitis symptoms do not improve within 3 weeks.
For proctitis, hydrocortisone usually is used one or two times a day for 2-3 weeks, then if necessary
every other day until your condition improves. Proctitis symptoms may improve within 5-7 days.
For hemorrhoids, hydrocortisone usually is used twice a day (every morning and night) for 2-6 days.
Follow the directions on the label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part that
you do not understand. Use hydrocortisone exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it
more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you obtained hydrocortisone without a prescription and your condition does not improve within 7
days, stop using it and call your doctor.
Call your doctor if any area treated with hydrocortisone gets worse or if redness, swelling, or oozing of
pus develops.
To use hydrocortisone ointment, cream, lotion, liquid, or gel on your skin, wash or soak the affected
area thoroughly before applying the medication, unless it irritates your skin. Then apply sparingly in a
thin film and rub it in gently.
To use the lotion, liquid, or gel on your scalp, part your hair, apply a small amount of the medicine on
the affected area, and rub it in gently. Protect the area from washing and rubbing until the medication
dries. You may wash your hair as usual but not right after applying the medicine.
To apply the aerosol spray, shake well and spray on the affected area holding the container about 3-6
inches away. Spray for about 2 seconds to cover an area the size of your hand. Take care not to inhale
the vapors. If you are spraying near your face, cover your eyes.
Avoid prolonged use on the face, in the genital and rectal areas, and in skin creases and armpits
unless directed to do so by your doctor.
If you are using hydrocortisone on your face, keep it out of your eyes.
If you are using hydrocortisone on a child=s diaper area, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic
pants. Such use may increase side effects.
Do not apply cosmetics or other skin preparations on the treated area without talking to your doctor.
If your doctor tells you to wrap or bandage the treated area, follow these instructions:
Soak the area in water or wash it well.
While the skin is moist, gently rub the medication into the affected areas.
Cover the area with plastic wrap (such as Saran Wrap or Handi-Wrap). The plastic may be
held in place with a gauze or elastic bandage or adhesive tape on the normal skin beside the
treated area. (Instead of using plastic wrap, plastic gloves may be used for the hands, plastic
bags for the feet, or a shower cap for the scalp.)
Carefully seal the edges of the plastic to make sure the wrap adheres closely to the skin. If the
affected area is moist, you can leave the edges of the plastic wrap partly unsealed or puncture
the wrap to allow excess moisture to escape.
Leave the plastic wrap in place as long as directed by your doctor. Usually plastic wraps are
left in place no more than 12 hours each day.
Cleanse the skin and reapply the medication each time a new plastic wrapping is applied.
Apply the rectal cream or ointment externally to the anal area. Some nonprescription creams may be
applied to the genital and anal areas; read the label of the product you are using carefully.
The hydrocortisone enema comes with directions that you should follow carefully. Lie on your left side
while using the enema and for 30 minutes afterward. Try to hold the enema in for at least 1 hour and
preferably all night.
The rectal foam also comes with directions that you should follow carefully. A special applicator is
provided and always should be used to apply the foam. Do not insert any part of the container into
your rectum. After using the applicator, take it apart and clean it thoroughly with warm water.
Remove the wrapper. If the suppository is too soft to insert, chill it in the refrigerator for 30
minutes or run cold water over it before removing the foil wrapper.
Dip the tip of the suppository in water.
Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-handed person
should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.)
Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum (about 1/2 to 1 inch in infants and
children and 1 inch in adults). Hold it in place for a few moments.
Remain lying down for 15 minutes. Then, stand up, wash your hands thoroughly, and resume
your normal activities.
Note that some hydrocortisone suppositories may stain fabric, so take any precautions needed.
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are
taking, especially cancer chemotherapy agents, other topical medications, and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have an infection or have ever had diabetes, glaucoma, a circulation
disorder, or an immune disorder.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you
become pregnant while using hydrocortisone, call your doctor immediately.
remember not to use hydrocortisone on children less than 2 years of age without talking to a
doctor.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
Hydrocortisone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not
go away:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug
Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at
http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it
according to the package instructions. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer
needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about
refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-
counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary
supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a
hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Brand name(s):
Cortenema® Westcort®
Hydroxyzine is used to relieve the itching caused by allergies and to control the nausea and vomiting
caused by various conditions, including motion sickness. It is also used for anxiety and to treat the
symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.
Hydroxyzine comes in capsules, tablets, a syrup, and suspension to take by mouth. It usually is taken
three or four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor
or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take hydroxyzine exactly as directed. Do not
take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the suspension (Vistaril) well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
Do not give this medication to children less than 12 years of age unless a doctor directs you to do so.
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to hydroxyzine or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are
taking, especially antihistamines; medications for colds, allergies, or hay fever; medications for
depression or seizures; muscle relaxants; narcotics (pain medications); sedatives; sleeping
pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, glaucoma, ulcers, difficulty urinating (due
to an enlarged prostate gland), heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, seizures, or
an overactive thyroid gland.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you
become pregnant while taking hydroxyzine, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking
hydroxyzine.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate
machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for
a missed one.
Hydroxyzine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
difficulty breathing
muscle weakness
increased anxiety
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug
Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at
http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at
room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of
your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has
collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about
refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-
counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary
supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a
hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Brand name(s):
Atarax® Vistaril®