Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine with
anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties that is used to treat allergic
reactions. The body releases histamine during several types of allergic
reactions and--to a lesser extent--during some viral infections, such as the
common cold. When histamine binds to its receptors on cells, it causes the cells
to release chemical messengers that lead to sneezing,
itching, and increased
mucus production. Antihistamines, like histamine, binds to the histamine
receptors, but when they bind to the receptors they do not stimulate the cells
to release chemical messengers. In addition, they prevent histamine from binding
and stimulating the cells. Hydroxyzine itself has no activity. After ingestion,
it is converted to its active form. The active form of hydroxyzine is a drug
called cetirizine (Zyrtec). Although, both hydroxyzine and cetirizine act as
antihistamines, hydroxyzine causes more sedation than cetirizine. The FDA
approved hydroxyzine in 1956.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 10, 25, and 50 mg. Capsules: 25, 50, and 100 mg.
Syrup: 10 mg per teaspoonful (5mL). Suspension: 25 mg per teaspoonful (5mL).
Injection: 25 and 50 mg/ml
STORAGE: Capsules, tablets, and liquids should be stored at room temperature
15-30°C (59-86°F). Liquid should not be frozen and should be shaken well prior
to each use. Injectable hydroxyzine should be stored below 30°C (86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Hydroxyzine is used for the relief of pruritus (itching)
caused by various allergic conditions. Hydroxyzine is also used for treating
anxiety and tension, and inducing sedation prior to or after anesthesia.
DOSING: Hydroxyzine has its maximal effect about 30 to 60 minutes after it is
taken. Its effects last for 4 to 6 hours. The recommended dose for treating
pruritus is 25 mg given 3 or 4 times daily. When used for sedation, the
recommended dose is 50 to 100 mg. Anxiety and tension are managed with 50 to 100
mg 4 times daily. Hydroxyzine can be taken with or without food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Hydroxyzine adds to (exaggerates) the sedating effects of
alcohol and other drugs that can cause sedation such as the benzodiazepine class
of anti-anxiety drugs [for example, diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), alprazolam (Xanax)], the narcotic
class of pain medications and its derivatives [for example, oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet), hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin),
guaifenesin (Dilaudid), Codeine, propoxyphene (Darvon)], the tricyclic class of antidepressants [for example, amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), desipramine (Norpramin)], and certain antihypertensive medications [for example, clonidine (Catapres), propranolol (Inderal)]. Hydroxyzine can also intensify the drying effects of other medications with anticholinergic properties [for example, dicyclomine (Bentyl),
bethanechol (Urecholine), Probanthine, amitriptyline (Elavil),
chlorpromazine (Thorazine)]. When using these drugs, the dose of hydroxyzine may require
reduction, therefore.
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The other forms of eczema include: contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, Nummular eczema, Neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of eczema may vary from person to person and may depend on the type of eczema.
Allergic rhinitis symptoms include an itchy, runny nose, sneezing, itchy ears, eyes, and throat. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is usually caused by pollen in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a type of chronic rhinitis and is a year–round problem, often caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, animal dander, and pollens that may exist at the time. Treatment of chronic rhinitis and post nasal drip are dependant upon the type of rhinitis condition.
Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a sign of an
allergic reaction. The allergy may be to food or medications, but usually the
cause of the allergy (the allergen) is unknown.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms include a stuffy nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and maybe a fever. Antibiotics have no effect upon the common cold, and there is no evidence that zinc and vitamin C are effective treatments.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
A number of vital tasks carried out during sleep help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best. Sleep needs vary from individual to individual and change throughout your life. Not getting enough sleep can hurt memory performance, health, and your mood.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
Insomnia is difficulty in falling or staying asleep, the absence of restful sleep, or poor quality of sleep. Insomnia is a symptom and not a disease. The most common causes of insomnia are medications, psychological conditions, environmental changes and stressful events. Treatments may include non-drug treatments, over-the-counter medicines, and/or prescription medications.
There are over 20 definitions of "sleep" in several dictionaries. The first,
a verb, seems most appropriate:
to take the rest afforded by a suspension of
voluntary bodily functions and the natural suspension, complete or partial, of
consciousness; cease being awake.
Physiologically, sleep is a complex process of
restoration and renewal for the body. Scientists still do not have a definitive
explanation for why humans have a need for sleep. We do know that sleep is not a
passive process or "switching off" of body functions; sleep is believed to be
important in many physiologic processes including the processing of experiences
and the consolidation of memories. It is also clear that sleep is essential, not
only for humans but for almost all animals.
The importance of sleep is
underscored by the symptoms experienced by those suffering from sleep problems.
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