Hydroxyzine overdose

Definition

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine used to treat symptoms of allergies and motion sickness.

Hydroxyzine overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Alternative Names

Atarax overdose; Vistaril overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Hydroxyzine, a prescription medication.

Where Found

• Atarax
• Durrax
• Rezine
• Vistaril
• Ucerax

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

Dilated pupils are the classic symptom of this type of overdose. Other symptoms may include:

• Airways and lungs
  • Shortness of breath
• Bladder and kidneys
  • Difficulty urinating
• Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry mouth, nose, and throat
• Heart and blood
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure
  • Palpitations
• Nervous system
  • Coma
  • Convulsions
  • Delirium
  • Depression
  • Disorientation
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Excitation
  • Hallucinations
  • Nervousness
  • Sleeping difficulties
  • Tremor
  • Uncoordinated movement
  • Unsteadiness
• Skin
  • Flushed skin

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate.

The patient may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Breathing support
• Fluids through a vein (by IV)
• Medicine (antidote) to reverse effects of overdose
• Laxative
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (Prognosis)

If the patient survives the first 24 hours, survival is likely.

References

Kirk MA, Baer AB. Anticholinergics and antihistamines. In: Shannon MW, Borron SW, Burns MJ, eds. Haddad and Winchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 39.

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