Vistaril

The active ingredient in Vistaril is hydroxyzine pamoate. Vistaril is a first-generation antihistamine. It treats itching by inhibiting histamine, a natural substance in your body. It also lowers anxiety by influencing another neurotransmitter known as serotonin.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Vistaril. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Vistaril:

• Shake the oral suspension (liquid) thoroughly just before measuring a dose. Use the accompanying dosing syringe, a special dose-measuring spoon, or a medicine cup to measure liquid medication. If you don't have a dose-measuring instrument, ask your chemist for one.
• Vistaril(hydroxyzine pamoate)is intended for short-term use only.
• You should not use Vistaril for more than four months. Call your doctor if your anxiety symptoms persist or worsen.
• Avoid taking it with alcohol as it could worsen the drowsiness.

The most common side effects of Vistaril include:

• Sleepiness or dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Constipation or trouble urinating
• Blurred vision
• Confusion in older adults

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Vistaril. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Excessive sleepiness or drowsiness
• Allergic reactions with symptoms such as hives, troubled breathing, swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
• Skin irritations such as skin rashes, fevers, or small blisters on the skin.
• Abnormal heart rhythm(QT prolongation); symptoms include chest pounding, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or lightheadedness.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Vistaril. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate), it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Allergies: Do not take if you are allergic to hydroxyzine pamoate, hydroxyzine hydrochloride (Atarax) cetirizine (Zyrtec), or levocetirizine (Xyzal).
• Health conditions: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any heart diseases (e.g., long QT syndrome), digestive or bladder blockages, glaucoma, electrolyte imbalances, or have had a recent heart attack or heart failure.
• Avoid alcohol, as it may increase side effects like drowsiness, and use caution when driving or operating machinery.
• Stop using Vistaril and contact your healthcare provider if you experience tremors, confusion, seizures, or unusual muscle movements.
• Avoid use during pregnancy, especially in the first two trimesters, due to the risk to the unborn baby. Do not use it while breastfeeding.
• Do not combine with other skin-applied antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, or spray) since this may increase side effects.

Contraindications are certain health problems or situations in which a person should avoid taking a drug for safety reasons. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional because Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate)is not safe to take.

• Allergic to hydroxyzine pamoate or any inactive ingredients in its formulation, hydroxyzine hydrochloride (Atarax), cetirizine (Zyrtec), or levocetirizine (Xyzal).
• Heart rhythm problem is known as prolonged QT interval long QT syndrome, or a family history of.
• Early pregnancy.

Vistaril and the effects of hydroxyzine are said to stop itching and anxiety within 30 minutes. However, it may take 2 to 3 hours to feel the full effect of the medication.

When Vistaril is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Vistaril should not be combined with drowsiness-causing medications such as sleeping pills, narcotic pain relievers, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines (alprazolam, clonazepam), or drugs for depression, or seizures, since this may worsen sedation.
• Certain medications, such as antibiotics (azithromycin), antidepressants (citalopram), heart rhythm drugs, antipsychotics, and cancer, malaria, or HIV/AIDS treatments, can raise the risk of significant heart issues when combined with Vistaril. Inform your doctor of any existing and new medications.
• Always tell your healthcare provider about all of your prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal medicines, since some drugs may interact with Vistaril.

Typical dosage for Vistaril

For anxiety:

For those aged 18 and over, the normal dose is 50 mg to 100 mg taken orally four times per day.

Age 6 and up: The normal dose is 50 mg to 100 mg orally per day, divided into smaller quantities and taken throughout the day.

For children under the age of six, the normal oral dose is 50 mg per day, divided into smaller amounts and consumed throughout the day.

For itching (pruritus):

Aged 18 years or older: The normal dosage is 25 mg taken orally three to four times per day.

Age 6 and up: The normal dose is 50 mg to 100 mg orally per day, divided into smaller quantities and taken throughout the day.

For children under the age of six, the normal oral dose is 50 mg per day, divided into smaller amounts and consumed throughout the day.

As a sedative

Aged 18 years or older: The average dose ranges from 50 mg to 100 mg, as prescribed by the healthcare team.

Age under 18 years: Your healthcare staff will calculate the dose based on your weight. The normal dose is 0.6 mg/kg orally, as prescribed by the care team.

If you miss a dose, take the next dose as soon as you remember. If your next planned dose is coming up soon, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medication to make up for the missing dosage.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat as well as keep out of reach of children.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Vistaril is Pfizer.

There are several lower-cost generics available of Vistaril with the active ingredient of hydroxyzine pamoate.

It is not advised to abruptly stop taking your Vistaril medication. Doing this can result in withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, and anxiety. If you need to get off of Vistaril, it is recommended that you taper off it under medical supervision.

It is not typically advised to take Visaril while pregnant. This medication crosses the placental barrier, which may lead to serious issues. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

A little, infrequent dose of hydroxyzine pamoate is unlikely to harm a breastfeeding infant. However, greater doses or long-term use may cause the baby to become drowsy or diminish milk production, particularly when coupled with certain medications such as pseudoephedrine or when breastfeeding has not been fully established. It is preferable to use alternative drugs, especially when nursing a newborn or premature baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.