Parenteral Manual

Hydroxyzine HCl (NON-FORMULARY)

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Alternate Name(s): 
ATARAX®
Classification: 
Anxyiolytic, Antihistamine
Original Date: 
December 2019
Indications: 
  • Adjunctive therapy in allergic conditions
  • Management of anxiety
  • Pre and post operative relief of anxiety
  • Antiemetic
Reconstitution and Stability: 
  • Stable at room temperature
  • Protect from light
  • Use solutions within 15 minutes of mixing
Compatibility: 

- Solutions Compatible: DO NOT dilute

- Additives/Above Cassette Compatible: atropine sulphate, chlorpramazine, diphenhydramine, fentanyl, meperidine, midazolam, morphine sulphate, pentazocine lactate, promethazine HCl,

- Y-site Compatible: TPN (amino acids/dextrose)

- Incompatible: pentobarbital, phenobarbital

Administration: 

(For approved routes of administration by nursing personnel, refer to Policy for the Administration of Intravenous Medications.)

SC NO
IM YES, preferred mid-lateral muscles of the thigh
Usual dilution: undiluted
IV Direct NO
IV Intermittent Infusion NO
IV Continuous Infusion NO
Dosage: 

(For neonatal dosages, refer to Neonatal IV Drug Manual.)

Pediatric:                 

  • 0.5-1 mg/kg/dose IM Q 4-6 hours PRN

Adolescent/Adult:

  • 25-100 mg/dose IM Q 4-6 hours PRN
Potential hazards of parenteral administration: 
  • Local discomfort, pain at the site of injection
  • Drowsiness, dryness of the mouth, ataxia
  • Hypotension
  • Urinary retention
Notes: 
  • When used as a preoperative adjunctive medication, narcotic requirements may be reduced
  • Use with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, asthma, COPD, bladder neck obstruction

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