Hydroxyzine HCL

This page offers hydroxyzine HCL in two tablet strengths: 10 mg and 25 mg. The strengths contain the same active ingredient; they differ only in the amount of hydroxyzine hydrochloride per tablet, which allows a prescriber to match the medication to your specific situation. Note that hydroxyzine HCL is different from hydroxyzine pamoate, a separate salt form that comes in capsules — only the HCL tablet form is sold on this page. You do not need to decide on a strength yourself: after you complete your health intake, the reviewing provider confirms whether hydroxyzine HCL is appropriate for you and which strength to prescribe. If a strength you were searching for (such as 50 mg) is not listed, the provider can discuss suitable options during your review.

What is Hydroxyzine HCL?

Hydroxyzine HCL 10mg (brand name Atarax) is a prescription antihistamine tablet used to relieve anxiety and tension, treat itching caused by allergic skin conditions like hives, and provide sedation before or after certain medical procedures. It works by blocking histamine and calming activity in the central nervous system. Hydroxyzine is not a controlled substance, which makes it a common alternative to benzodiazepines for short-term anxiety relief. Because it requires a prescription, a licensed prescriber must evaluate whether it is appropriate for you.

What it treats

• Anxiety and tension (short-term symptomatic relief)
• Itching (pruritus) from allergic conditions
• Chronic hives (urticaria)
• Atopic and contact dermatitis (allergic itching)
• Sedation before and after general anesthesia
• Adjunct in organic disease states with anxiety

• Anxiety: 50–100 mg by mouth 4 times daily.
• Pruritus: 25 mg by mouth 3–4 times daily.
• Pre/post-op sedation: 50–100 mg by mouth as a single dose.

Your prescriber will determine the dose and duration that are right for you. Always follow the directions on your prescription label.

Dosing shown is for Hydroxyzine HCL 10mg. Each strength has its own directions in the comparison above and on its product page.

Common side effects

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Fatigue

• Do not use during early pregnancy; contraindicated in pregnancy per labeling
• Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants (opioids, sedatives) — increased drowsiness
• Use caution with drugs that prolong the QT interval
• May impair ability to drive or operate machinery
• Contraindicated with known hypersensitivity to hydroxyzine or cetirizine
• Use caution in older adults — increased risk of sedation and falls
• Prolonged QT interval is a contraindication

Tell your prescriber about all medications, supplements, and health conditions before starting hydroxyzine hcl.

Hydroxyzine comes in two salt forms: hydroxyzine hydrochloride (HCL) and hydroxyzine pamoate. Both contain the same active drug, hydroxyzine, and are used for similar purposes. The main practical differences are the dosage form and how each is labeled: hydroxyzine HCL is typically supplied as tablets and oral solution, while hydroxyzine pamoate is supplied as capsules.

For most patients the two forms are considered comparable, and the choice usually comes down to the prescriber's judgment, availability, and insurance or pricing considerations. This page carries hydroxyzine HCL tablets in 10 mg and 25 mg strengths. If your provider determines the pamoate form is more appropriate for you, they will let you know during the review.

Sources

1. DailyMed – Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Tablet
2. MedlinePlus – Hydroxyzine
3. FDA – Drugs@FDA: Atarax (hydroxyzine hydrochloride)

Full dosing, side effects, warnings and sources for each strength are on its own product page.