Hydroxyzine
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Hydroxyzine for pets during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information on Hydroxyzine for pets
- Hydroxyzine is a medicine used to help with itching and allergy problems.
- You can give it with food or on an empty stomach.
- Medicines like this often work best when they are given regularly, not just once in a while.
- Sleepiness is the side effect seen most often. In some animals, the opposite can happen and they may act unusually wound up or overactive.
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail about this medicine and it does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
- Type of medicine: an antihistamine (a medicine used for allergy-type signs).
- Forms you may receive:
- by-mouth tablets
- capsules
- liquid
Other common names
Atarax, Vistaril
Uses
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may still choose to use it in animals (this is called extra-label use). Examples of why it may be used include:
- Helping manage itching and allergies in dogs, cats, and other animals
- Supporting treatment of mast cell tumors when used together with other treatments in dogs and cats
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely risk-free for every patient. Review the following with your veterinarian:
- All other medicines or supplements your animal is taking
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before
- Any bad reactions or side effects your animal has had from medicines in the past
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing
If your animal is going to have allergy testing, tell your veterinarian. You may be instructed to stop this medicine ahead of time.
Warnings for animals
Do not use in animals:
- That have an allergy to this medicine or to similar medicines, such as cetirizine or diphenhydramine
Use with caution in animals:
- With serious heart or lung problems
- With a past history of seizures
- With high blood pressure (hypertension)
- With high thyroid levels (hyperthyroidism)
- With higher pressure inside the eye (glaucoma)
- With an enlarged prostate
- That are constipated or have trouble passing urine
- With blockages in the stomach or urinary tract
- That are very young or very old
- That are working animals or service animals, because they may become too sleepy to do their tasks
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How do I give this medication?
- Give it with food or without food.
- If you are using a liquid, measure it with an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it.
This type of medicine often works better when it is given regularly before your animal is exposed to things that trigger allergies.
Side effects
Common – contact your veterinarian if these are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Sleepiness. This may lessen as time goes on.
- Overexcitement. Sometimes hydroxyzine can make an animal act overly excited.
- Clumsy or unsteady movement
Severe – stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice:
- Trouble passing urine or stool
- Restlessness or other changes in behavior
- Shaking (tremors) or seizures
How will I know it's working?
- This medicine should start to take effect within 1 to 2 hours.
- When it is used for allergies, improvement is usually gradual, and you may notice changes over 1 to 2 weeks.
Call your veterinary clinic if your animal’s signs get worse or do not improve.
How long will the medication effects last?
- The effects may continue for a few days after the final dose.
- The effects may last longer if your animal’s kidneys or liver do not work as well.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods. Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs. A refill may be needed.
Overdose
Possible overdose signs include poor coordination, weakness, difficulty breathing, and extreme sleepiness. If you see or suspect an overdose, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center right away (a consultation fee may apply):
If you can, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the normal scheduled time.
- Continue with the regular schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from light.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not put this medicine into the toilet or pour it into a sink drain. Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations:
- This is the best option when available.
- To find a nearby location, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- Home disposal:
- Combine the medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”