Drug interactions
Caffeine + Hydroxyzine
Severity: Minor
Caffeine and Hydroxyzine: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Caffeine is a stimulant that may partly offset hydroxyzine-induced drowsiness, though it does not remove impairment. Hydroxyzine's effects on QT or anticholinergic symptoms are not reduced by caffeine.
What this interaction means in plain words
Caffeine and Hydroxyzine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Caffeine belongs to Miscellaneous; Hydroxyzine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic opposition: adenosine receptor antagonism by caffeine versus histamine H1 blockade by hydroxyzine.
What to do
No action is required, but patients should not rely on caffeine to counter hydroxyzine sedation when driving.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Hydroxyzine
- Droperidol + Hydroxyzine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydroxyzine Major
- Amiodarone + Hydroxyzine Major
Other interactions of Caffeine
- Caffeine + Ephedrine Major
- Caffeine + Fezolinetant Major
- Caffeine + Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Major
- Caffeine + Selegiline transdermal Major
- Adenosine + Caffeine Moderate
- Benzphetamine + Caffeine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Caffeine with Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Caffeine and Hydroxyzine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Caffeine is a stimulant that may partly offset hydroxyzine-induced drowsiness, though it does not remove impairment. Hydroxyzine's effects on QT or anticholinergic symptoms are not reduced by caffeine.
How serious is the interaction between Caffeine and Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No action is required, but patients should not rely on caffeine to counter hydroxyzine sedation when driving.
What other medicines interact with Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydroxyzine with, for example, Droperidol, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Hydroxyzine page.
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