Drug interactions
Epinephrine + Hydroxyzine
Severity: Minor
Epinephrine 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
Hydroxyzine has weak alpha-adrenergic blocking activity, which could blunt the pressor effect of epinephrine. In anaphylaxis, epinephrine should still be given without delay and antihistamines are only adjunctive. Hydroxyzine's sedation is not meaningfully offset by epinephrine.
What this interaction means in plain words
Epinephrine 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.
Epinephrine belongs to Endocrine; Hydroxyzine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Possible modest alpha-adrenergic antagonism by hydroxyzine opposing epinephrine vasoconstriction.
What to do
Do not withhold epinephrine in emergencies; monitor blood pressure and response to treatment.
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 Epinephrine
- Epinephrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Epinephrine Major
- Amitriptyline + Epinephrine Major
- Amoxapine + Epinephrine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Epinephrine with Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Epinephrine 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. Hydroxyzine has weak alpha-adrenergic blocking activity, which could blunt the pressor effect of epinephrine. In anaphylaxis, epinephrine should still be given without delay and antihistamines are only adjunctive. Hydroxyzine's sedation is not meaningfully offset by epinephrine.
How serious is the interaction between Epinephrine 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: Do not withhold epinephrine in emergencies; monitor blood pressure and response to treatment.
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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