Vistaril – what it is, what it is for and side effects!

Vistaril is a well –  known and very effective drug that reduces activity in the central nervous system. It also acts as an antihistamine that reduces the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body . Histamine can produce symptoms of itchy or hives on the skin .

Vistaril is used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. It is also used in conjunction with other medications given during and after general anesthesia. In addition, it is also used to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis.

Important information about vistaril:

You should not use this medication if you are pregnant, especially during the first or second trimester. Vistaril can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medications at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medications and any that you start or stop using.

This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Stop using  vistaril and call your doctor immediately if you experience a serious side effect such as tremors, confusion, seizures, or restless eye , tongue, jaw, or neck muscle movements. Drinking alcohol can increase some side effects.

Precautions before taking vistaril:

You should not use vistaril if you are allergic or if:

• You have long QT syndrome;
• You are allergic to cetirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal);
• You are in the first trimester of pregnancy.

You should not use vistaril  if you are pregnant, especially during the first or second trimester. it can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while using this medication. To make sure Vistaril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• Blockage in the digestive tract (stomach or intestines)
• Bladder obstruction or other urination problems;
• Glaucoma;
• Heart disease, slow heartbeat;
• Personal or family history of long QT syndrome;
• electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low levels of potassium in the blood)
• If you have recently had a heart attack.

It is not known if vistaril passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take vistaril?

Take vistaril exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medication in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well before measuring a dose. Measure the liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist. Also, it  is for short-term use only.

You should not take vistaril for more than 4 months. Call your doctor if your anxiety symptoms don’t improve or get worse. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Vistaril for Anxiety:

Use:

• Oral: Provides symptomatic relief from anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis; an adjunctive treatment in organic disease states in which anxiety is manifest.
• IM: Treatment for psychiatric and emotional emergencies, including acute alcoholism.

Dosage:

• Oral: 50 to 100mg 4 times a day
• IM: 50 to 100 mg immediately, then every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

Vistaril for itching:

Use:

• Management of pruritus due to allergic conditions such as chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses and histamine-mediated pruritus.

Dosage:

• Oral: 25mg 3 or 4 times daily

Vistaril for sedation:

Use:

• Oral: As a sedative when used as a premedication and after general anesthesia.
• IM: Pre- and post-operative and pre- and postpartum adjuvant treatment.

Dosage:

• Oral: 50 a 100mg
• IM: 25 a 100 mg

Pediatric dose of vistaril for sedation:

Usos:

• Oral: As a sedative when used as a premedication and after general anesthesia.
• IM: Pre and postoperative adjuvant treatment.

Dosage:

• Oral: 0,6 mg / kg
• IM: 0.5 mg/lb of body weight

Pediatric dose of vistaril for anxiety:

Usos:

• Provides symptomatic relief from anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis; an adjunctive treatment in organic disease states in which anxiety is manifest.
• Management of pruritus due to allergic conditions such as chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses and histamine-mediated pruritus.

Dosage:

• Minor age 6: Oral: 50 mg/day in divided doses
• 6 years and older: Oral: 50 to 100 mg daily in divided doses

Pediatric dose of vistaril for pruritus:

Usos:

• Provides symptomatic relief from anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis; an adjunctive treatment in organic disease states in which anxiety is manifest.
• Management of pruritus due to allergic conditions such as chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses and histamine-mediated pruritus.

Dosage:

• Minor age 6: Oral: 50 mg/day in divided doses
• 6 years and older: Oral: 50 to 100 mg daily in divided doses

Pediatric Vistaril Dose for Nausea and Vomiting:

Use:

• Treatment of nausea  and vomiting.

Dosage:

• IM: 0.5 mg/lb of body weight

What happens if I miss a dose of vistaril?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose on vistaril?

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness, nausea , vomiting, uncontrolled muscle movements or seizures.

What should I avoid while taking vistaril?

This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol  with this medication can cause side effects.

Vistaril side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction or vistaril : hives ; breathing difficulty; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. In rare cases, it can cause a severe skin reaction.

Stop taking this medication and call your doctor right away if you have sudden reddening of the skin or a rash that spreads and causes white or yellow pustules, blistering, or peeling. Stop using call your doctor immediately if you have:

• Fast or rapid heartbeat;
• Headache with chest pain ;
• Severe dizziness, fainting;
• A seizure (convulsions).

Side effects such as drowsiness and confusion may be more likely in older adults. Common vistaril side effects may include:

• Somnolence;
• Headache ; _
• Dry mouth;
• Rash.

What other drugs will affect vistaril?

Taking this medicine with other medicines that make you sleepy can make this effect worse. Ask your doctor before taking Vistaril  with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medication, muscle relaxant, or medication for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Vistaril can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time, including antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medicines, antipsychotic medicines and medicines to treat cancer, malaria, HIV or AIDS.

Other drugs may interact with vistaril , including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell each of your healthcare professionals about all the medications you use now and any medications you start or stop using.