Hydroxyzine🔊

What is Hydroxyzine for?

Hydroxyzine is a sedating (first generation) antihistamine that can relieve itchiness associated with allergies such as hay fever, hives, food allergy, drug reactions. It can also be used to manage anxiety in short-term and as a sedative before or after surgery.

How to use it?

Hydroxyzine can be taken by mouth as tablets or capsules and the dosages for different age groups and uses are listed below. 

For itchiness 

Adult 

Start with 25 mg daily at night and increase the dose to 25 mg 3-4 times daily if necessary. 

Child 6 months – 5 years

5-15 mg daily in divided doses and the dose is adjusted according to their weights. The maximum daily dose is 2 mg/kg. 

Child 6-17 years (body weight below 40 kg) 

Start with 15-25 mg daily in divided doses. The dose is adjusted according to their weights and may increase if necessary. The maximum daily dose is 2 mg/kg. 

Child 6-17 years (body weight 40 kg or above) 

Start with 15-25 mg daily in divided doses. The dose is adjusted according to their weights and may increase to 50-100 mg daily if necessary. 

For management of anxiety in short term

Adult 

50-100 mg daily in divided doses. The maximum daily dose is 100 mg.

What are the side effects of Hydroxyzine? 

Common side effects of Hydroxyzine include drowsiness and dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how you respond to Hydroxyzine.

Where to buy Hydroxyzine in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Hydroxyzine is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.