All drug medications are manufactured and sold on the market under two types of signatures. The first is under a generic name which is usually the active ingredient of the drug medication and secondly, under a brand name. In this case, Hydroxyzine is the generic name of this drug medication and Vistaril is the brand name for it, so yes, hydroxyzine is available under the brand name of Vistaril. Let’s discuss this brand name for hydroxyzine.

What is Vistaril?

This drug medication can also be referred to as hydroxyzine pamoate and is essentially an antihistamine with drying (anticholinergic) and relaxing (sedative) characteristics.

Another aspect you need to know is that while the medication is called Vistaril, in effect, it contains its generic form hydroxyzine inside the tablet or whatever form is Vistaril takes and acts as its active ingredient.

So, essentially you are actually using the same medication under two different names, one generic  (hydroxyzine) and the other a brand name (Vistaril).

Uses for Vistaril

It is used as an effective sedative for the treatment of anxiety and tension.

In addition Vistaril is also used in combination with other drug medications to provide a special treatment for anesthesia. Its efficacy doesn’t end there as it’s also used for controlling the onset of nausea and vomiting.

In other medical health treatments, the drug medication has also been used for treating allergic skin responses such as hivers or contact dermatitis. As would be expected, drug medication Vistaril is available and can be purchased in its generic form.

Vistaril side effects

Both common and serious side effects can be caused by using Vistaril. The common side effects may include:

Normally, these common side effects can disappear after sometime but if they continue to cause you discomfort, call your doctor immediately

You are strongly advised to inform your doctor if you happen to experience any of the following serious side effects of Vistaril:

  • tremors or uncontrolled shaking
  • confusion
  • jerking muscle movements around the eyes, tongue, jaw or neck
  • seizures or bodily convulsions

Recommended dosages for Vistaril

For the treatment ofitch (pruritus) the recommended dose is 25 mg, which is taken 3 or 4 times a day.

If the medication is used as a sedative, the recommended dose is 50 mg to 100 mg.

For the treatment of anxiety and tension, the recommended dose is 50 mg to 100 mg to be taken 4 times a day.

Interactions with other drug medication

The main question to address here is what other drugs, supplements or substances interact with Vistaril? The answer is Vistaril can interact with other medicines that can include:

  • medicines for cold or allergy
  • sedatives
  • narcotic pain medicine
  • sleeping pills
  • muscle relaxers
  • medicines for seizure conditions
  • medicines for depression
  • medicines for anxiety

Vastaril and pregnancy/breastfeeding

This drug treatment is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it can harm the fetus in the womb.

You should discuss birth control methods with your doctor so that you can safely take the medication and engage in the sexual act while taking Vastaril.

There’s no medical evidence to suggest that the drug medication can pass into breast milk or that it can harm the baby being nursed. You should nevertheless consult your doctor about breastfeeding to fully understand your situation regarding breastfeeding.

Side effects caused by drug medication including Vastaril are effects that keep appearing so any list of side effects provided can never be the complete list. Contact your doctor if you want to know more about side effects.

Precautionary actions you need to take

Sometimes, telltale signs and symptoms of health conditions may appear without warning. Some are indicated below together with the type of actions you need to take to protect yourself.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic response such as:

  • hives
  • difficulty in breathing
  • swelling of the face, tongue, lips and throat

In rare instances, hydroxyzine may cause a severe skin response. It that’s the case you should immediately stop taking this drug medication and promptly call your doctor.

Your reason for calling is that a skin redness or rash has suddenly appeared that spreads on your skin causing the appearance of white or yellow pustules accompanied by blistering or peeling.

If you experience the following side effects, you should discontinue taking hydroxyzine and call you doctor without delay:

  • fast or pounding heartbeats:
  • chest pain or headache;
  • severe dizziness or faining;
  • a seizure or convulsions

Older adults are likely to experience the following common side effects:

  • skin rash;
  • dry mouth;
  • drowsiness; or
  • headache.

More pertinent information on Vistaril

Indications

Vistaril is indicated for the symptomatic easing of tension and anxiety which are usually related to psychoneurosis and can also be used for treating organic conditions where anxiety is present.

It is a very useful medication in the treatment of pruritus arise from allergic conditions such as urticaria and atopic, contact dermatoses and in histamine-mediated pruritus.

Hydroxyzine is an effective sedative medication that falls in line with the general practice of anesthesia. It can potentiate or increase the potency of medications like meperidine and barbiturates so modifications may be needed when used on individual patients.

Atropine and other belladonna alkaloids are not affected by the drug and it doesn’t impede the action of digitalis and indeed may be used in combination with the agent.

Dosage

For easing anxiety and tension which are usually associated with psychoneurosis and organic diseases doses have been set as follows:

  • adults, the dose is 50-100 mg.
  • children under 6 years, the dose is 50 mg in daily divided doses
  • children over 6 years, the dose is 50-100 mg daily divided doses.

For use in managing pruritus caused by allergies such as chronic urticarial and atopic and contact dermatoses the doses shown below apply:

  • adults, the dose is 25 mg t i d or q.i.d
  • children under 6 years, the dose is 50 mg daily divided doses
  • children over 6 years, the dose is 50-100 mg daily divided doses

For use as a sedative and premedication that follows general anesthesia practice the doses shown below apply:

  • adults, the dose is 50-100 mg
  • children 0.6 mg/kg

Treatment performed by intramuscular path any subsequent doses may be given orally.

As is the practice for all medications, dosages should be modified according the patient’s reaction to the therapy.

Supplied forms

Vistaril capsules are supplied as shown below:

25 mg: 100’s (NDC 0069-5410-66), two-tone green capsules

50 mg: 100’s (NDC 0069-5420-66), green and white capsules

Vistaril oral suspension (hydroxyzine pamoate equivalent to 25 mg hydroxyzine hydrochloride per teaspponful-5 mL): 1 pint (473 mL) bottles (NDC 0069-5440-93) and 4 ounce (120 mL) bottles (NDC 0069-5440-97) in packages of 4.

When using the oral suspension medication make sure to shake the bottle vigorously until the product is completely re-suspended.

Bottom line

Having the same drug medication available on the market under two names has many advantages, the main being that the medication has a brand name that can be advertised, sold and more importantly remembered by customers for its efficacious performance. It may attract a higher price but that doesn’t really tarnish the reputation of a medication that’s already proving to be effective in treating certain conditions. Vistaril is such a drug medication and no doubt those who’ve used it are totally satisfied.