Hydroxyzine hydrochloride

Trade Names:
Atarax

General Description:

This drug is an antihistamine that is used in dogs and cats. Hydroxyzine is available as tablets, capsules, and as a liquid.

What is this drug?
• A histamine antagonist
• Given by mouth

Reasons for prescribing:
• To provide relief from the symptoms of allergies such as itchiness

What dogs/cats should not use this medication?
• Animals with glaucoma
• Animals with prostate disease
• Animals with a history of seizures
• Animals with severe heart or lung disease
• Animals with obstruction of the bladder or stomach
• Animals that may be pregnant or nursing
• Animals that will require allergic skin testing in the near future
• Animals that require full alertness when performing - guide dogs, police dogs, rescue dogs
• Animals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to this drug should not take this medication

Directions:

Read and follow the prescription label carefully.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.

Discuss with your veterinarian if this medication is to be given with food. Ensure that your pet has access to fresh water.

Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.

Dose adjustments may be made based upon an assessment of how your dog or cat is responding clinically.

Call ahead for refills.

Ideally, give medication at the same time(s) daily.

What if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask a veterinarian before giving medication?

Talk to your veterinarian about:
• When your pet will need to be rechecked
• What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
• What are the risks and benefits of using this drug

Tell your veterinarian about:
• If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
• If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
• If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
• If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
• All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medications can be given together.
• If your pet is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your pet

Storage and Warnings:

Hydroxyzine hydrochloride should be stored in a childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.

Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Potential side effects:
• This medication can cause dryness in the mouth which may be displayed in your pet as an increase in thirst
• This medication can affect the central nervous system causing sedation or excitement, muscle tremors, and seizures
• This medication can affect the gastrointestinal system causing lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea
• If these symptoms persist or you notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian

Can this drug be given with other drugs?
• Yes, but possible interactions may occur when giving hydroxyzine hydrochloride in conjunction with: acepromazine, amitriptyline, anticholinergic agents, epinephrine, phenobarbital, selegiline, and certain medications in flea and tick collars
• Drugs other than those listed may also interact with hydroxyzine hydrochloride
• Do not give new food or medications without first talking to your veterinarian
• If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian

Overdosing?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet receives more than the prescribed amount.

What else should I know?

Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, hydroxyzine hydrochloride should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.

This is just a summary of information about hydroxyzine hydrochloride. If you have any questions or concerns about hydroxyzine hydrochloride or the condition it was prescribed for, please contact your veterinarian.
 

Hydroxyzine
(Atarax, Vistaril)

Common Drug Name
Hydroxyzine
Generic products are available.

Common Brand Names
Atarax (Hydroxyzine HCl) Vistaril (Hydroxyzine pamoate)

Storage
Store at room temperature in a tight, light resistant, childproof container. Avoid freezing liquid products.

Uses
Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets: Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine used for the treatment of allergies, flea bite dermatitis, and atopy, primarily to stop itching. (Atopy is an allergy to something that is inhaled, such as pollen or house dust; also called 'inhalant allergy').
Birds: Hydroxyzine is used for the treatment of allergies, feather picking, and self-mutilation.

Dose and Administration
Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Duration of treatment depends on the reason for and response to treatment.
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once.
If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian.
This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

Possible Side Effects
Dogs: May see sedation. Less commonly seen are excitement, fine tremors, whole body tremors, or seizures.
Cats: May see increased thirst, sedation, or other behavioral changes.
Consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the above side effects.
If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Precautions
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to hydroxyzine or similar medications.
Use with caution in animals with hypothyroidism, heart disease, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, severe cardiac failure, or obstruction of the urinary bladder (problems urinating), or obstruction of the pylorus (junction between the stomach and intestine).
Not for use in pregnant and lactating animals (female animals nursing their young).
Do not use in working animals (military dogs, police dogs, seeing eye dogs, hearing dogs, etc.) as it may cause too much sedation.
Discontinue use at least 7 days prior to skin allergy testing.

Drug, Food, and Test Interactions
Consult your veterinarian before using hydroxyzine with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, other central nervous system (CNS) depressant drugs such as barbiturates, antidepressants, anesthetics, or tranquilizers; anticholinergic drugs, heparin, warfarin, or epinephrine, since interactions may occur.
No known food interactions.

Signs of Toxicity/Overdose
May see excessive sedation or low blood pressure (weakness). If you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets.

This information may not cover all possible uses, directions, side effects, precautions, allergic reactions, drug interactions, or withdrawal times.   Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.