Vistaril vs. Zyrtec

• Are Zyrtec and Vistaril the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Vistaril?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Zyrtec?
• What is Vistaril?
• What is Zyrtec?
• What Drugs Interact with Vistaril?
• What Drugs Interact with Zyrtec?
• How Should Vistaril Be Taken?
• How Should Zyrtec Be Taken?

Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) and Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) are antihistamines used to treat symptoms of allergic reactions such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.

Vistaril is also used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension, or to control nausea and vomiting. Vistaril is also used together with other medications given for anesthesia.

Zyrtec is available over-the-counter (OTC).

Vistaril may cause serious side effects, including:

• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• blurred vision,
• dry mouth,
• stomach upset,
• or headache.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Vistaril including:

• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck,
• tremors (uncontrolled shaking),
• confusion,
• or seizures (convulsions).

Common side effects of Zyrtec include:

• drowsiness,
• fatigue,
• tired feeling,
• dizziness,
• dry mouth,
• sore throat,
• cough,
• nausea,
• constipation, or
• headache.

In children, side effects of Zyrtec include:

• stomach pain and
• vomiting.

The side effect of sleepiness may occur when taking Zyrtec, so do not drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery.

Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. Vistaril is also used together with other medications given for anesthesia. Vistaril may also be used to control nausea and vomiting, or to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis. Vistaril is available in generic form.

Zyrtec is medication that temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:

 

Vistaril may interact with probenecid.

Vistaril may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety).

Zyrtec may interact with alcohol, other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety).

 

The recommended dose of Vistaril for treating itch (pruritus) is 25 mg, 3 or 4 times daily. For sedation, the recommended dose is 50 to 100 mg. The dose to treat anxiety and tension is 50 to 100 mg 4 times daily. Vistaril may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. Vistaril is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It could harm the fetus. Discuss birth control with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Adults and children 6 years and over should take one 10 mg capsule once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg capsule in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.

Adults 65 years of age or older, children under 6 years of age, and consumers with liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor before using this product.