Health Encyclopedia
Hydroxyzine overdose
Definition
This is poisoning from an overdose of hydroxyzine, an antihistamine used to treat symptoms of allergies and motion sickness.
Alternative Names
Atarax overdose; Vistaril overdosePoisonous Ingredient
Hydroxyzine, a prescription medication.
Where Found
- Atarax
- Durrax
- Rezine
- Vistaril
- Ucerax
Symptoms
Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth, nose, and throat
Heart and blood
- Rapid heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Palpitations
Nervous system
- Depression
- Excitation
- Drowsiness
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Disorientation
- Delirium
- Coma
- Unsteadiness
- Tremor
- Convulsions
- Sleeping difficulties
- Uncoordinated movement
Lungs
Skin
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
- If the medication was prescribed for the patient
Poison Control
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number 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 U.S. 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.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
See National Poison Control center.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
The patient may receive:
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- Activated charcoal
- Laxative
- A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
Outlook (Prognosis)
If the patient survives the first 24 hours, survival is likely.
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
