Hydroxyzine

What is Hydroxyzine?

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that can reduce itching, a common symptom of conditions like scabies. When histamine is released, it causes an allergic response, common symptoms of which include itchy skin and vasodilation (when your blood vessels get bigger). Antihistamines can block this action, which helps relieve itching and calms your skin down.

Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by mites. These mites burrow into your skin and lay eggs. This causes severe itching and leads to a reddish rash. It’s a highly contagious infection, which passes from person to person by skin contact.^[1]Hydroxyzine reduces symptoms of scabies; it can’t treat it. To cure scabies, you’ll need treatment with an anti-scabies medication like Permethrin.

How does Hydroxyzine work?

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine, meaning it blocks histamine from being released into your bloodstream. When your immune system detects something it considers dangerous or harmful, histamine is often released. This can cause your blood vessels to widen and become leaky, resulting in more fluid passing from tiny blood vessels into surrounding tissues.^[2] This leads to swelling and itching. So when you take Hydroxyzine, this process stops and itching is relieved.

How to take Hydroxyzine

Take one Hydroxyzine tablet at night with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Your clinician will probably start you on the lowest dose (25mg a day), but, if necessary, your dose can increase to up to four 25 mg tablets a day.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Hydroxyzine?

If you accidentally take more than needed or overdose on Hydroxyzine, contact your local doctor immediately. You might experience overdose symptoms such as a slowing of your thoughts, dry mouth and blurry vision. For more information check the patient information leaflet (PIL) that comes with your treatment.

If you forget to take a dose, take it when you remember. Unless it’s close to your next scheduled dose, in this case, skip the missed dose. Don’t take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How long does Hydroxyzine take to work?

It can take around 30 minutes to an hour to feel the effects of Hydroxyzine, but it will take two hours for it to reach the maximum effect. When it starts to take effect, you’ll notice your symptoms will have calmed down.