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Drug interactions

Hydroxyzine + Primidone

Severity: Moderate

Hydroxyzine and Primidone: moderate 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

Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital and is sedating. Combined with hydroxyzine it may cause excessive drowsiness and impaired coordination.

What this interaction means in plain words

Hydroxyzine and Primidone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Hydroxyzine belongs to Respiratory; Primidone belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive CNS depression from barbiturate GABAergic action and H1 antagonism.

What to do

Monitor for sedation and dizziness, and counsel on avoiding alcohol and driving until tolerance is known.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Hydroxyzine with Primidone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydroxyzine and Primidone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital and is sedating. Combined with hydroxyzine it may cause excessive drowsiness and impaired coordination.

How serious is the interaction between Hydroxyzine and Primidone?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for sedation and dizziness, and counsel on avoiding alcohol and driving until tolerance is known.

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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