Hepatotoxicity. Despite widespread use,
hydroxyzine has not been linked to liver test abnormalities or to clinically apparent liver injury
. Indeed, hydroxyzine is commonly used for the pruritus associated with liver disease. The reason for its safety may relate to low daily dose and limited duration of use.
What are the most common side effects of hydroxyzine?
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- difficulty with swallowing.
- fast heartbeat.
- hives, itching, or skin rash.
- irregular or slow heart rate.
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue.
- shortness of breath.
How long can dogs be on hydroxyzine?
In many instances it will need to be combined with a corticosteroid. Hydroxyzine is effective for
six to eight hours
in the dog. Hydroxyzine is used in cats with feline symmetrical alopecia of allergic origin, miliary dermatitis, and eosinophilic granuloma complex.
Is hydroxyzine okay for dogs?
Hydroxyzine HCl is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however,
it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for dogs and cats
. Hydroxyzine HCl is an antihistamine which is useful to treat allergic conditions that affect the skin such as hives, itching, and rashes.
Is hydroxyzine or Benadryl better for dogs?
Diphenhydramine has a sedative effect on dogs, so don’t be surprised if your dog becomes quite drowsy and quiet with each dose.
Hydroxyzine is prescribed for long-term use in dogs with an atopy allergy
. It works very well in dogs with seasonal allergies who can’t avoid their triggers.
Is hydroxyzine harmful to kidneys?
Kidney function: The kidneys are partially responsible for removing this medication from your body.
Kidney disease or reduced kidney function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects
.
Is hydroxyzine processed through the liver?
Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver
, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation.
Is hydroxyzine the same as Benadryl?
Generally speaking,
hydroxyzine is an antihistamine related to over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Benadryl and Zyrtec
that are used to treat symptoms of allergies and colds such as runny nose and itchy or watery eyes.
Can a dog overdose on hydroxyzine?
Overdose / acute toxicity:
Fine, rapid tremors and rarely seizures will also occur with overdoses
. There is no specific antidote available. Treatment consists of supportive and symptomatic care. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet may have received an overdose of hydroxyzine.
Which antihistamine is best for dogs?
Also recommended as an antihistamine for dogs is
clemastine fumarate
. It is one of the most effective antihistamines for dogs that suffer from itchy skin.
What drugs should not be taken with hydroxyzine?
Certain medications (e.g.,
sotalol, quinidine, thioridazine, chlorpromazine, droperidol, pimozide, moxifloxacin, mefloquine, pentamidine, arsenic trioxide, probucol, tacrolimus
) can increase the risk of a type of abnormal heart rhythm called QT prolongation and should not be used in combination with hydroxyzine.
Why was Atarax discontinued?
Atarax was most likely discontinued in the US due to
business reasons by its manufacturer
. It was not removed from the market for safety or effectiveness reasons, according to the FDA. A generic version of Atarax known as hydroxyzine hydrochloride is available in the US and is very affordable.
Is hydroxyzine the same thing as Xanax?
Hydroxyzine and Xanax belong to different drug classes
. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties and Xanax is an anti-anxiety medication in the benzodiazepine class. A brand name for hydroxyzine is Vistaril.
Can hydroxyzine cause diarrhea in dogs?
The most common adverse effects of hydroxyzine are sedation, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and lack of appetite
.
Can dogs take hydroxyzine for anxiety?
Though many other antihistamines have come out since its FDA approval,
hydroxyzine is still one of the most commonly prescribed medications for allergic reactions and sedation in canines
.
Is 25mg of hydroxyzine strong?
The recommended dose of Vistaril for treating itch (pruritus) is 25 mg, 3 or 4 times daily
. For sedation, the recommended dose is 50 to 100 mg.
Can you dissolve hydroxyzine?
It is given as a slurry, crushed and mixed with a little water and swallowed. Hydroxyzine is not absorbed sublingually, so if it is crushed and swallowed it will be absorbed in the small intestine a little faster than if it is an entire tablet or capsule and has to slowly dissolve over a period of minutes.
How is hydroxyzine excreted?
Hydroxyzine is metabolized in the liver and excreted
in urine
. In dental practice, the use of hydroxyzine as a sole drug is limited to the management of children with mild-to-moderate fear. It is often used in combination with either meperidine or chloral hydrate for management of more fearful pediatric patients.
Is hydroxyzine an anti inflammatory?
Hydroxyzine can suppress the inflammatory response
and itch associated with intradermal skin tests with allergens and histamine for up to 4 days.
Can antihistamines cause liver damage?
The antihistamines
rarely cause liver injury
. Their relative safety probably relates to their use in low doses for a short time only.
How long does hydroxyzine stay in your bloodstream?
Hydroxyzine’s half-life is about
14 hours
. So it takes about 14 hours for your body to get rid of half of a dose of hydroxyzine. Typically, it takes about five half-lives for a drug to completely leave your system. For hydroxyzine, this means the drug will stay in your system for about 70 hours after your last dose.
