Theophylline/ephedra/hydroxyzine

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine medication sold under various brand names, including Atarax and Vistaril. It is primarily used in the treatment of several conditions such as itchiness, insomnia, anxiety, and nausea, including that due to motion sickness. The medication can be administered either orally or through injection into a muscle.

Etymology

The term "Hydroxyzine" is derived from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water and "xyzine" which is a common suffix for medications in the antihistamine class.

Uses

Hydroxyzine is used to treat a variety of conditions. These include:

• Itchiness: Hydroxyzine is often prescribed to alleviate itchiness caused by conditions such as eczema and urticaria.
• Insomnia: Due to its sedative properties, Hydroxyzine is also used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders.
• Anxiety: Hydroxyzine can be used to treat anxiety and tension related to psychoneurosis.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Hydroxyzine is effective in controlling nausea and vomiting, including that due to motion sickness.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Hydroxyzine include sleepiness, headache, and a dry mouth. In some cases, serious side effects may occur, such as QT prolongation, a heart rhythm disorder that can cause serious irregular heartbeats, fainting, or sudden death.

Related Terms

• Antihistamine
• Atarax
• Vistaril
• Itchiness
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Motion sickness
• QT prolongation