Hydroxyzine

Hydroxyzine is a first-generation histamine H-receptor antagonist of the dephenylmethane and piperazine classes that exhibits sedative, anxiolytic, and antiemetic properties. It was first developed in 1955, and has since remained a relatively common treatment for allergic conditions such as pruritus, urticaria, dermatoses, and histamine-mediated pruritus. The active metabolite of hydroxyzine, cetirizine, is also available as an active ingredient in allergic medications, and is responsible for much of its hydroxyzine's antihistaminic effect. Hydroxyzine is also used for generalized anxiety disorder, tension caused by psychoneurosis, and other conditions with manifestations of anxiety.

Hydroxyzine is a first-generation histamine H-receptor antagonist of the dephenylmethane and piperazine classes that exhibits sedative, anxiolytic, and antiemetic properties. It was first developed in 1955, and has since remained a relatively common treatment for allergic conditions such as pruritus, urticaria, dermatoses, and histamine-mediated pruritus. The active metabolite of hydroxyzine, cetirizine, is also available as an active ingredient in allergic medications, and is responsible for much of its hydroxyzine's antihistaminic effect. Hydroxyzine is also used for generalized anxiety disorder, tension caused by psychoneurosis, and other conditions with manifestations of anxiety.

Hydroxyzine is indicated for the symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension associated with psychoneuroses, and as an adjunct in organic disease states in which anxiety is manifested. It is also indicated in the treatment of histamine-mediated pruritus and pruritus due to allergic conditions such as chronic urticaria. Canadian labeling states that hydroxyzine is also indicated in adults and children as a premedication prior to medical procedures, such as dental surgery. It is also used in the control of nausea and vomiting, excluding nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.

• Anxiety
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pruritus