Definition

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine available only with a prescription. It is used to treat symptoms of allergies and motion sickness.

Hydroxyzine overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with has an overdose, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Alternative Names

Vistaril overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Hydroxyzine can be harmful in large amounts.

Where Found

Hydroxyzine is found in medicines with these names:

• Durrax
• Rezine
• Vistaril
• Multipax

Other medicines may also contain hydroxyzine.

Symptoms

Dilated pupils are the classic symptom of a hydroxyzine overdose. Below are other symptoms of a hydroxyzine overdose in different parts of the body.

AIRWAYS AND LUNGS

• Shortness of breath

BLADDER AND KIDNEYS

• Difficulty urinating

EYES, EARS, NOSE, THROAT, AND MOUTH

• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Enlarged pupils
• Dry eyes
  
• Ringing in the ears

HEART AND BLOOD

• Rapid heartbeat
• Low blood pressure
• Pounding heartbeat (palpitations)

NERVOUS SYSTEM

• Agitation
• Coma (decreased level of consciousness and lack of responsiveness)
• Seizures
• Delirium
• Depression
• Disorientation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there)
• Nervousness
• Sleeping difficulties
• Tremor
• Uncoordinated movement
• Unsteadiness

SKIN

• Dry, red, or flushed skin

STOMACH AND INTESTINES

• Nausea
• Vomiting

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

• Person's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strength, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed
• If the medicine was prescribed for the person

Poison Control

Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

Take the container to the hospital with you, if possible.

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

Tests that may done include:

• Blood and urine tests
• Chest x-ray
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Fluids through a vein (by IV)
• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Activated charcoal
• Laxative
  
• Breathing support, including a tube through the mouth into the lungs and connected to a breathing machine (ventilator)

Outlook (Prognosis)

Recovery is likely if the person survives the first 24 hours. Complications such as pneumonia, muscle damage from lying on a hard surface for a prolonged period of time, or brain damage from lack of oxygen may cause permanent disability. Few people actually die from an antihistamine overdose, unless they have serious heart rhythm disturbances or breathing problems.

Keep all medicines in child-proof bottles and out of reach of children.

References

Aronson JK. Anticholinergic drugs. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:534-539.

Hoppe JA, Monte AA. Anticholinergics. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 140.