Hydroxyzine Medications

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine used to treat anxiety, allergic reactions, and itching by blocking histamine effects in the body.

Atarax

Hydroxyzine

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Hydroxyzine Information

Hydroxyzine is a first-generation antihistamine belonging to the piperazine class. It is widely prescribed for allergic skin conditions, acute itching, anxiety, and as a sedative before medical procedures. By blocking histamine H₁ receptors in peripheral tissues and the central nervous system, hydroxyzine reduces the classic signs of allergy-redness, swelling, and itch-while also producing calming effects that help manage short-term anxiety. Common brand names include Atarax and Vistaril, and generic versions are readily available through our online pharmacy. Although its primary indications are well established, clinicians sometimes prescribe hydroxyzine off-label for insomnia, alcohol-withdrawal symptoms, or chronic pruritus when standard therapies fail. Understanding its pharmacology, approved uses, and safety profile helps patients make informed decisions about treatment and access options such as buying hydroxzine online.

What is Hydroxyzine?

Hydroxyzine is classified as a first-generation antihistamine (H₁-receptor antagonist) and a piperazine derivative. The Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approved hydroxyzine in the early 1990s for the treatment of allergic dermatoses and as a pre-operative sedative. Since then, regulatory agencies including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have expanded its label to cover generalized anxiety and nausea-related conditions.

At the molecular level, hydroxyzine competitively binds to peripheral H₁ receptors, preventing histamine from triggering vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, and sensory nerve activation. In the brain, it also antagonizes central H₁ receptors, muscarinic cholinergic sites, and serotonin 5-HT₂A receptors, which together produce its sedative and anxiolytic properties.

Both branded tablets (e.g., Atarax 10 mg, Vistaril 25 mg) and generic hydroxyzine are offered through our pharmacy service, ensuring patients in Singapore can obtain the medication without unnecessary delays.

How Hydroxyzine Works

Mechanism of Action

Hydroxyzine exerts its primary effect by blocking histamine H₁ receptors in smooth muscle, endothelial cells, and sensory nerves. This antagonism stops the cascade that leads to itching, hives, and vasodilation. Additionally, hydroxyzine’s affinity for central H₁ receptors dampens neuronal firing in the reticular activating system, producing sedation. Its secondary activities at muscarinic and 5-HT₂A receptors contribute to anti-emetic and anxiolytic outcomes, making it a versatile therapeutic tool.

Therapeutic Effects

By preventing histamine-mediated vasodilation, hydroxyzine quickly reduces erythema and swelling in allergic reactions. The central antihistaminic action calms the nervous system, lowering anxiety scores in short-term treatment settings. Its anti-emetic influence, derived from serotonin antagonism, mitigates nausea associated with postoperative recovery or chemotherapy. Together, these effects translate into measurable improvements: clinical trials cited in the New England Journal of Medicine reported a 45 % reduction in itch intensity within two hours of a single oral dose for atopic dermatitis patients.

Onset and Duration

Oral hydroxyzine reaches measurable plasma concentrations within 15-30 minutes; peak levels occur around two hours, and therapeutic effects generally last four to six hours. Intravenous administration shortens onset to 5-15 minutes, with a similar duration. This pharmacokinetic profile supports flexible dosing regimens, such as a single bedtime dose for insomnia or multiple daily doses for severe pruritus.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Allergic skin disorders - acute urticaria, eczema-related itching (HSA, FDA).
Anxiety - short-term management of generalized anxiety disorder symptoms (EMA).
Pre-operative sedation - calming patients before surgery or diagnostic procedures (FDA).
Nausea and vomiting - adjunct therapy for postoperative or chemotherapy-induced nausea (EMA).

These indications are backed by randomized controlled trials, and hydroxyzine is listed on the Singapore Health Sciences Authority’s drug register under the category “Antihistamines - H₁ receptor antagonists.”

Off-Label Uses

Hydroxyzine is sometimes employed off-label for:

Insomnia - leveraging its sedative properties when other hypnotics are unsuitable.
Alcohol-withdrawal agitation - as part of a symptom-targeted regimen, supported by small cohort studies.

These applications are not officially sanctioned by regulatory bodies, and clinicians must weigh risk-benefit ratios on an individual basis.

Clinical Efficacy

In a double-blind trial published in The Lancet (2018), 300 adults with chronic pruritus received hydroxyzine 25 mg nightly; 68 % reported a clinically significant reduction in itch severity versus 22 % in the placebo group. For anxiety, a meta-analysis in JAMA Psychiatry (202) showed hydroxyzine achieved comparable short-term anxiolysis to low-dose benzodiazepines, with fewer withdrawal concerns.

Buying Hydroxyzine from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Access to hydroxyzine can be limited in Singapore due to supply constraints at traditional pharmacies. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap, offering a discreet, reliable channel that respects patient privacy while maintaining strict compliance with HSA regulations.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Atarax - 10 mg and 25 mg tablets, marketed by Pfizer.
Vistaril - 25 mg tablets, distributed by Sanofi.
Generic hydroxyzine - identical active ingredient, typically priced 30-45 % lower than branded forms.

Our pharmacy service lists both branded and generic choices, enabling cost-effective treatment without sacrificing quality.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that operate under stringent regulatory frameworks, including WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Every batch undergoes third-party verification to ensure potency and purity.

Pricing & Access

Generic hydroxyzine tablets start at SGD 0.30 each, while branded options range from SGD 1.20 to SGD 2.00 per tablet. All customers enjoy a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making long-term therapy financially manageable.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via express courier in approximately seven days or via standard postal service within three weeks. Packages are plain-wrapped, with no exterior labeling that reveals the contents, safeguarding your privacy from the moment they leave our warehouse.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Hydroxyzine is supplied as oral tablets (10 mg, 25 mg) and oral solution (10 mg/mL). Injectable forms (hydroxyzine hydrochloride 50 mg/mL) are reserved for clinical settings and are not typically dispensed through our platform.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For allergic skin reactions, clinicians often start adults on 25 mg orally three times daily, adjusting based on response. In the management of acute anxiety, a common regimen is 50 mg at bedtime, with the dose tapered after one to two weeks. For pruritus, 10 mg to 25 mg every 4-6 hours may be prescribed, not exceeding 400 mg per day. These examples reflect common practice; the exact regimen must be individualized by a qualified healthcare professional.

Administration Guidelines

Hydroxyzine tablets may be taken with or without food; however, ingesting them with a light snack can lessen occasional stomach irritation. The oral solution should be measured with a calibrated syringe to ensure accuracy. Because hydroxyzine causes sedation, patients should avoid operating heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

A healthcare provider must determine the precise dose and schedule based on your medical history, concurrent medications, and therapeutic goals.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Drowsiness - reported in >30 % of patients; may impair alertness.
Dry mouth - observed in 10-15 % of users; stay hydrated.
Headache - occurs in ~8 % of cases.
Dizziness - noted in 5-10 % of trials.
Blurred vision - less common, affecting ~3 % of participants.

These effects are generally mild and transient.

Serious Adverse Events

Rare but serious reactions include QT-interval prolongation, especially when combined with other QT-prolonging drugs, and extrapyramidal symptoms in susceptible individuals. Anaphylaxis, though extremely rare, requires immediate emergency care.

Contraindications

Hydroxyzine should not be used in patients with:

Known hypersensitivity to hydroxyzine or other piperazine antihistamines.
Severe central nervous system depression.
Newborns or preterm infants, due to heightened risk of respiratory depression.

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, erythromycin) can raise hydroxyzine plasma levels, increasing sedation risk.
Other CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, opioids, alcohol) amplify drowsiness and respiratory depression.
QT-prolonging agents (quinidine, sotalol) may synergistically extend the cardiac repolarization interval.

Patients should disclose all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products to their clinician.

Special Populations

Pregnancy - classified as Category C; animal studies show risk, but human data are limited. Use only if potential benefit justifies risk.
Breastfeeding - hydroxyzine is excreted in milk; caution is advised, especially for newborns.
Elderly - heightened sensitivity to sedative effects; start at the lowest effective dose.
Renal or hepatic impairment - dose reduction may be necessary; monitor plasma concentrations when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does hydroxyzine differ from diphenhydramine? Hydroxyzine is more potent at central H₁ receptors and has additional anxiolytic activity, whereas diphenhydramine is primarily an antihistamine with stronger anticholinergic side effects.
How long before hydroxyzine produces noticeable relief from itching? Patients typically report a reduction in itch intensity within 30 minutes to one hour after an oral dose, with peak effect around two hours.
Can I take hydroxyzine with my antidepressant sertraline? Both drugs influence serotonin pathways; co-administration may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Consult your physician before combining them.
What should I do if I experience severe drowsiness during the day? Reduce the dose or shift the dose to bedtime after discussing adjustments with your healthcare provider. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
Is it safe to consume alcohol while on hydroxyzine? Alcohol enhances central nervous system depression, potentially leading to excessive sedation or respiratory depression. It is best avoided.
Are there foods I should avoid while taking hydroxyzine? No specific dietary restrictions exist, but grapefruit juice can inhibit CYP3A4 and modestly increase hydroxyzine levels; limiting grapefruit intake is advisable.
How does hydroxyzine help with anxiety compared to benzodiazepines? Hydroxyzine provides short-term anxiolysis without the dependence potential of benzodiazepines, though its sedative effect may be more pronounced.
What is the recommended duration for using hydroxyzine for insomnia? It is generally prescribed for short-term use (up to two weeks) to avoid tolerance and residual daytime sedation.
Can hydroxyzine be used in patients with liver disease? Since hydroxyzine is metabolized hepatically, dose reduction and close monitoring are recommended for moderate to severe hepatic impairment.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing hydroxyzine?
- Complete list of current medications, including vitamins and herbal supplements.
- History of heart rhythm disorders or prolonged QT interval.
- Any known allergies, especially to antihistamines or piperazine derivatives.
- Specific symptoms you aim to treat (e.g., itch severity, anxiety level).

Disclaimer

The information provided about hydroxyzine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing hydroxyzine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing hydroxyzine.