HYDROXYZINE is an antihistamine. This medicine is used to treat allergy symptoms. It is also used to treat anxiety and tension. This medicine can be used with other medicines to induce sleep before surgery.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• any chronic illness
• diabetes
• difficulty passing urine
• glaucoma
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to hydroxyzine, cetirizine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. You may take this medicine with food or on an empty stomach. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for sleep or seizures
• medicines for colds, allergies
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or emotional disturbances
• medicines for pain
• medicines for sleep
• muscle relaxants

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

If you are receiving skin tests for allergies, tell your doctor you are using this medicine.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty passing urine
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• seizures
• slurred speech or confusion
• tremor

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• drowsiness
• fatigue
• headache
• stomach upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.