Hydroxyzine HCI Tablets for Anxiety and Allergies , 25mg

Antihistamine Tablets for Allergy Relief in Dogs and Cats

Product Description

Hydroxyzine HCl 25mg is a prescription antihistamine used off-label in dogs and cats to relieve allergic skin conditions, reduce itching, and help ease anxiety. It works by blocking H1 histamine receptors throughout the body and also produces mild sedative and antispasmodic effects. While not FDA-approved for veterinary use, it is a widely accepted and commonly prescribed option across veterinary practice for both allergic and anxiety-related conditions in pets.

Benefits

• Relieves Allergic Skin Conditions: Helps manage symptoms of atopic dermatitis, hives, itching, and inflammatory skin reactions triggered by allergies or environmental factors.
• Treats Feline Skin Disorders: Effective in cats for allergic skin conditions such as miliary dermatitis and eosinophilic granuloma complex, which often have an underlying allergic cause.
• Manages Anxiety and Calmness: The natural sedative effect of hydroxyzine helps reduce stress and promote a sense of calm in pets during anxious or stressful situations.
• Treats Acute Allergic Reactions: Helpful in managing sudden allergic responses including reactions to insect bites, bee stings, snake bites, vaccinations, and blood transfusions.
• Non-Addictive for Long-Term Use: Unlike some medications, hydroxyzine HCl carries no risk of dependency, so pets can stay on it as long as the vet recommends.
• Pairs Well with Corticosteroids: If hydroxyzine alone does not fully address allergy symptoms, a vet may add a corticosteroid to get better overall control.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients

Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride

How to Use

Hydroxyzine HCl is a prescription-only medication. A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required to purchase this medicine.

Please follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment for your pet.

Disclaimer: Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your pet.

Giving tablets to pets can sometimes be tricky, but a pill pocket or pill wrap makes the whole process much smoother and less stressful for your pet. Simply wrap the tablet inside and let your pet take it like a treat.

Shop Pill Pockets for Dogs | Shop Pill Pockets for Cats

Additional Information

Precautions

• Use Cautiously in Certain Conditions: Pets with glaucoma, bladder obstruction, cardiac arrhythmia, or heart failure need careful monitoring when placed on this medication.
• Caution During Pregnancy: High doses have shown harmful effects in pregnant laboratory animals; your vet will weigh the benefits against possible risks before recommending use.
• CNS Drug Interactions: When combined with sedatives or other nervous system depressants, the sedative effect increases; always tell your vet every medication your pet is currently on.
• May Not Control Itching Alone: Studies show antihistamines fully relieve itching in only around 20 to 40% of dogs; combining with a corticosteroid is often needed for full effect.
• Avoid in Hypersensitive Pets: Do not give this medication to any pet with a known allergy or sensitivity to hydroxyzine or any related antihistamine compound.

Possible Side Effects

• Sedation (Most Common): Drowsiness is the most frequently seen side effect; this may be helpful for anxiety but should be watched closely during allergy treatment.
• Excitability in Dogs: Some dogs may develop excitement, tremors, or seizures on this medication; report these to your vet promptly.
• Behavioral Changes in Cats: Cats may show increased thirst, low mood, or behavioural changes on this medication; let your vet know if these signs appear.
• Digestive Upset: Dry mouth, mild nausea, dizziness, or occasional vomiting can happen; speak with your vet if these persist or cause discomfort to your pet.
• Severe Allergic Reaction: Seek emergency veterinary care right away if your pet develops hives, swelling around the face, or has difficulty breathing.
• Overdose Signs: If your pet becomes unusually drowsy or shows signs of low blood pressure after taking this medication, get them to a vet straight away.

Storage Information

• Room Temperature Storage: Keep the tablets tucked away from heat and humidity in a tightly closed container to preserve their quality over time.
• Keep Away from Light: Avoid exposing the tablets to direct sunlight; a dark, dry storage spot helps preserve their potency and shelf life.
• Keep Away from Children and Pets: Store in a secure, locked place that children and other animals cannot access to prevent accidental ingestion.

Note: For generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is hydroxyzine HCl 25mg used for in dogs and cats?

Ans: Hydroxyzine HCl is commonly prescribed for dogs and cats dealing with allergic skin conditions, persistent itching, hives, or sudden reactions to bee stings and vaccinations. Beyond allergy care, veterinarians also rely on it to help pets that show signs of stress or anxiety.

Q2: How quickly does hydroxyzine antihistamine start working in pets?

Ans: Hydroxyzine gets absorbed fairly quickly once your pet takes it, with most pets showing effects somewhere between 20 and 45 minutes after dosing. Dogs tend to get around 6 to 8 hours of coverage, while cats can see results lasting closer to 12 hours.

Q3: Can hydroxyzine HCl control my dog's itching completely on its own?

Ans: Every dog responds differently. Studies suggest antihistamines clear up itching in somewhere between 20 to 40% of dogs, which means many still need added support. Your vet may bring in a corticosteroid alongside hydroxyzine if itching persists. Give the medication a fair 7 to 10-day run before making any changes.

Q4: Is hydroxyzine FDA-approved for use in dogs and cats?

Ans: Hydroxyzine HCl has not received FDA approval for use in pets. Despite this, veterinarians regularly prescribe it off-label for managing allergies and anxiety in dogs and cats, as it is broadly accepted across veterinary practice. Always check with your vet to confirm it suits your pet's needs.

Q5: Can hydroxyzine be given to pets with heart conditions or glaucoma?

Ans: Pets dealing with conditions like glaucoma, bladder obstruction, heart arrhythmia, or heart failure need special consideration before starting this medication. Its anticholinergic action can aggravate these conditions. Make sure your vet has a full picture of your pet's health before prescribing this medicine.

Clinical Research

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13256-023-03937-7

https://www.psychiatrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/13183_efficacy-safety-hydroxyzine-treatment-generalized.pdf