Drug interactions
Hydroxyzine + Tetrabenazine
Severity: Major
Hydroxyzine and Tetrabenazine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Tetrabenazine can prolong the QTc interval and cause sedation, and hydroxyzine adds to both effects. This raises arrhythmia risk and increases drowsiness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxyzine and Tetrabenazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Hydroxyzine belongs to Respiratory; Tetrabenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and additive CNS depression.
What to do
Avoid or replace hydroxyzine with a non-QT-prolonging agent. If combined, monitor ECG and electrolytes and watch for excess sedation.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
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 Tetrabenazine
- Dronedarone + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxyzine with Tetrabenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxyzine and Tetrabenazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Tetrabenazine can prolong the QTc interval and cause sedation, and hydroxyzine adds to both effects. This raises arrhythmia risk and increases drowsiness.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxyzine and Tetrabenazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid or replace hydroxyzine with a non-QT-prolonging agent. If combined, monitor ECG and electrolytes and watch for excess sedation.
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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