What it means
A first-generation antihistaminean-tee-HIS-tuh-meenA drug that blocks the effects of histamine, used mostly for allergy symptoms.anti- againsthistamine Full entry that causes sleepiness and has anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, constipation and trouble passing urine. It is used for anxiety, itching (pruritusproo-RY-tusItching of the skin.Full entry ) from allergies, and as a sedative. It can lengthen the QT interval. Its name looks like hydralazinehy-DRAL-uh-zeenA vasodilator that lowers blood pressure by relaxing the walls of the arteries.Full entry , hydrochlorothiazidehy-droh-klor-oh-THY-uh-zideA thiazide diuretic that lowers blood pressure and reduces swelling by helping the kidneys remove salt and water.Full entry and hydromorphonehy-droh-MOR-foneA strong opioid pain medicine, given by mouth, by injection or into a vein.Full entry .
For the nurse
Give the injection deep IM only; it is never given IV or under the skin, because it damages tissue. Watch for drowsiness and confusion, especially in older adults, and protect against falls. Teach the client to avoid alcohol and driving until they know how it affects them.
At a glance
| Drug class | antihistamine (first-generation); anxiolytic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Vistaril, Atarax (former US brand) |
| Spanish | hidroxizina |
| Also written | Vistaril, Atarax |
Easy to confuse with
hydromorphone
A strong opioid pain medicine, given by mouth, by injection or into a vein.
hydrochlorothiazide
A thiazide diuretic that lowers blood pressure and reduces swelling by helping the kidneys remove salt and water.
hydralazine
A vasodilator that lowers blood pressure by relaxing the walls of the arteries.
Related terms
antihistamine
A drug that blocks the effects of histamine, used mostly for allergy symptoms.
anticholinergic
A drug or effect that blocks acetylcholine, a nerve messenger, in parts of the nervous system.
pruritus
Itching of the skin.
anxiety
A feeling of worry, fear or unease about something that may happen, often with physical signs such as a racing heart.