Hydroxyzine HCL is an antihistamine used for the treatment of allergies in dogs and cats. Hydroxyzine HCL requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.
For: Dogs and Cats
Benefits:
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Effective against hives, itching, and rashes
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Can be used as a mild sedative or tranquilizer for anxious dogs
How it works:
Hydroxyzine blocks the effects of histamine in the body. Hydroxyzine also depresses activity of the central nervous system and is also used to treat anxiety disorders and tension in stressful situations.
Cautions:
It should not be used in pregnant or nursing animals. Hydroxzyzine may cause drowsiness. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any health conditions or other drugs your dog or cat may be taking.
More Information:
Brand Name Atarax (Pfizer)
Generic Name Hydroxyzine HCl
What is the most important information I should know about hydroxyzine: Hydroxyzine HCl (generic for Atarax) is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs and cats. Hydroxyzine is available as 10mg, 25mg, and 50mg tablets.The usual dose of hydroxyzine in dogs is 1mg per pound every 6 to 8 hours. The usual dose of hydroxyzine in cats is 5 to 10 mg per cat every 8 to 12 hours. Hydroxyzine may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
What is Hydroxyzine: Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of histamine in the body making it useful to treat allergic conditions that affect the skin such as hives, itching and rashes. Hydroxyzine depresses activity of the central nervous system and is also used to treat anxiety disorders and tension in stressful situations. Hydroxyzine may be used for other purposes than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving hydroxyzine to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has heart, liver or kidney disease. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
How should this medication be given: Follow the instructions on the prescription label. If you do not understand these directions ask your pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Store hydroxyzine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication. Symptoms of overdose may include extreme drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and decreased breathing.
What should I avoid while giving Hydroxyzine: Hydroxyzine can cause drowsiness and dizziness.
What are the possible side effects of Hydroxyzine: Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if your pet experiences any signs of an allergic reaction (hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat). Keep giving Hydroxyzine and talk to your veterinarian if your pet develops any of these less serious side effects; dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion; blurred vision or dry mouth; nausea or vomiting. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome to your pet.
What other medications will affect Hydroxyzine: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is using any of the following medications; chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), celmastine (Tavist), meperidine (Demerol), Phenobarbital, acepromazine, amitriptyline (Elavil), fluoxetine (Prozac). Tell your veterinarian about all prescription and non-prescription (OTC) medications, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has information about Hydroxyzine written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
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Hydroxyzine HCl tablets are available by prescription and used by veterinarians for the treatment of allergies in dogs and cats.
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Hydroxyzine HCl is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for dogs and cats.
•
Hydroxyzine HCl is an antihistamine which is useful to treat allergic conditions that affect the skin such as hives, itching, and rashes.
Tip: Hydroxyzine HCl may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs:
All weights
Give 1mg per pound of pets body weight every 6 to 8 hours or as directed by veterinarian
Cats:
All weights
Give 5 to 10 mg per cat every 8 to 12 hours or as directed by veterinarian.
Horses:
Storage: Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Hydroxyzine HCL:
Active Ingredients (per tablet)
Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride
10 mg
Other Ingredients (per tablet): Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, Crospovidone, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, Lactose Monohydrate, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystallince Cellulose, Sodium starch glycolate and Opadry white (Titanium dioxide, Hypromellose 3cP, Hypromellose 6cP, PEG 400 and Polysorbate 80)
Hydroxyzine HCL:
Active Ingredients (per tablet)
Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride
25 mg
Other Ingredients (per tablet): Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, Crospovidone, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, Lactose Monohydrate, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystallince Cellulose, Sodium starch glycolate and Opadry white (Titanium dioxide, Hypromellose 3cP, Hypromellose 6cP, PEG 400 and Polysorbate 80)
Hydroxyzine HCL:
Active Ingredients (per tablet)
Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride
50 mg
Other Ingredients (per tablet): Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, Crospovidone, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, Lactose Monohydrate, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystallince Cellulose, Sodium starch glycolate and Opadry white (Titanium dioxide, Hypromellose 3cP, Hypromellose 6cP, PEG 400 and Polysorbate 80)
My wife and I had to put our 3 year old beagle, Frances, down five days after being prescribed Hydroxyzine. Frances was in excellent health prior to being prescribed the drug. Within twenty-four hours of taking the medication Frances had difficulty eating and drinking. Forty-eight hours later Frances could no longer swallow or close her mouth, and developed diabetic symptoms. The veterinary clinic where we took Frances consulted a neurologist before providing us with additional information to assist us in making a decision. Based on the information provided which pointed to immediate suffering with a poor chance of a full life, we decided to end her suffering. I blame no one for what happened to Frances. In fact I really do not know what happened. My grandfather was a veterinarian in the early 1900s when medicines were far inferior to what is available today. I am sure he had some sleepless nights after losing some farmer's horse or dog. Today we are blest; medicines are far superior. It is rare, but sometimes the worst can happen. God bless
My Golden Retriever was prescribed Hydroxyzine HCL for allergy symptoms. From the first day of being on the medicine - I saw immediate relief to his symptoms. He was not licking paws and chewing between his toes nor biting at his front legs and tail area. When the medication wears off his paw chewing returns - but he will get relief once he is given his next pill. He is using 50 mg pills twice a day and that has relieved his symptoms.
My large standard female (60 lbs) had a drippy, mucousy nose - otherwise ate, slept and played well. Her vet gave Hydroxyzine 50 mg tabs and the "nasty nose" cleared up within 24 hours....she's on the 14 day trial and we're pleased w/ the results. She doesn't appear to have any adverse reactions.
Polar Bear does very well with hydroxyzine HCL. When he takes the pills he is able to breath easier and it helps him to be more comfortable. HIs sinuses clear up and he is a happy camper.
My Vet gave my Cocker Spaniel this antihistamine when he broke out with allergy pimples all over his body. My poor baby was miserable, but giving him 1 50mg tablet every 12 hours works very well. His itching has cut down a lot. I know his allergies are not gone and I plan to have him tested for allergens, but at least he, my husband, our other cocker spaniel and I can sleep at night, not to wakened by JayJay's scratching.
My 4 pound, 4 month Yorkie puppy, Oliver, has 2 red blisters, or something, on both sides of his outer mouth. He scratches it a lot. I called his vet, who was out of town until Tuesday, so I brought Oliver to a vet at PetSmart. They said that my dog has Diplococci, after doing a skin impression & microscopic exam.
The vet said they administered 80mg/ml injection of Convenia (in another room, I looked that up on-line and found nothing concerning Convenia. and the vet prescribed Hydroxyzine 10 ml tabs, cut up, 2 a day.
I was told Oliver had an infection and that I should apply Neosporen, to an open infection at the mouth? I was stunned. Then I was told he needed anti-biotics, I looked up Hydroxyzine, it said it was an antihistamine, yet I was still told it was an "antibiotic."
I read on this website that Hydroxyzine killed a small dog (there were no details given as I am writing details) only it killed a small dog.
I feel I was misled by the vets inexperience. Also, total cost for visit $165.00. Should I give this antihistamine to my puppy, who also just got over an ear infection (I told th vet that)?
These are not common side effects, but I would have to say, yes. It is possible. You should speak to your veterinarian about any side effect that affects your pet.
There is no over the counter equivalent to ketoconazole 200 mg if that's what you are asking. If this medication is working fine, why do you want to change medications?
Hydroxyzine HCl is available as 25 mg tablets with an imprint of K11. It is also available in a 10 mg strength (pictured) that has an imprint of K10 and 50 mg strength with an imprint of K12.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.