Hydroxyzine pamoate (pam = pamoate), 50 mg capsule, is an antihistamine with several uses. It’s often used for anxiety, itching due to allergic conditions, and sometimes as a sedative before procedures.
What it is and how it’s used
- Brand/name: Hydroxyzine pamoate (e.g., Vistaril) 50 mg capsules.
- Common uses:
- Anxiety or tension related to psychoneurosis (short-term relief; not for long-term treatment).
- Relief of itching from allergic skin conditions.
- Sedation before medical procedures (preoperative).
- How to take: Take by mouth with a full glass of water. Can be taken with or without food. Do not crush or open the capsule unless your clinician says it’s okay.
- Typical dosing (general guidelines; follow your prescription):
- For anxiety: often 25–50 mg up to several times daily (dosed by your clinician; total daily amount may be up to around 400 mg in divided doses).
- For itching: 25–50 mg every 4–6 hours as needed; up to about 400 mg/day.
- For sedation before anesthesia: commonly 50–100 mg taken 1 hour before the procedure.
- Important cautions:
- Can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
- Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants while taking this medication.
- Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision) can be more pronounced in older adults.
- Not recommended in some conditions (ask your clinician) such as certain heart or eye problems, urinary retention, glaucoma, or certain severe infections.
Possible side effects
- Common: drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, headache, constipation.
- Less common but more serious: severe allergic reactions, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, confusion, severe dizziness or trouble breathing. Seek urgent care if these occur.
Interactions and precautions
- Interacts with alcohol, sedatives, benzodiazepines, opioids, and other drugs that depress the CNS.
- May worsen symptoms in people with glaucoma, urinary retention (e.g., enlarged prostate), or certain heart rhythm problems; discuss with your clinician if you have these.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: talk to your clinician about risks and alternatives.
If you have the prescription and want, I can tailor this to your situation (e.g., your exact dose, why you’re taking it, any other meds you take, and any health conditions). If you’re not sure why you were given this or have side effects, contact the prescriber or a pharmacist. Also, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for your next dose—do not double up. If you suspect an overdose, seek urgent medical help.