What is hydroxyzine hcl used for?

Hydroxyzine HCl is an H1 antihistamine with sedative effects. It’s used for:

- Anxiety and tension (short-term)
- Pruritus (itching) due to allergic conditions like urticaria or dermatitis
- Sedation before or after anesthesia/surgery

It may also be used off-label for things like insomnia or nausea in some cases, but its primary approved uses are anxiety, itching, and pre/postoperative sedation.

Notes:
- It can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness.
- Avoid alcohol and tell your doctor about other sedatives or liver/kidney issues.
- Hydroxyzine HCl is the hydrochloride salt; there’s also hydroxyzine pamoate (another salt form) with similar uses.

If you have a specific condition or your context (age, other meds), I can tailor the info.