Vistaril® is a brand name that refers to the drug hydroxyzine, an antihistamine medication. People may take this for a variety of medical conditions, ranging from nausea to skin disorders. These conditions usually require different doses of hydroxyzine to treat. Other factors can potentially influence the optimal Vistaril® dosage needed by an individual, including their weight and age.
Cases of nausea and vomiting, including those caused as side effects from other medications, may be treated with this drug. Adults typically use a Vistaril® dosage of 25 milligrams (mg) to 100 mg, received as an intramuscular (IM) injection. Children taking this drug for nausea also usually receive an IM injection, but their dose is based on their body weight. Standard doses are often 0.5 mg per 1 kilogram (kg), or 2.2 pounds (lb), body weight when taken in this manner. Giving an IM injection for nausea can be helpful, as nausea can cause vomiting of oral doses.
Skin disorders like pruritis, which causes itching an irritation, may be relieved with Vistaril®. Usually, the dose used for this treatment varies by age. An adult with pruritis would usually take a Vistaril® dosage of 50 mg to 100 mg four times a day. Teenagers and children over six often receive a dose of 50 mg to 100 mg total, divided into two to four doses taken throughout the day. Total daily amounts of 50 mg, split into two to four equivalent doses, are sometimes taken by children under six.
Adults and children may take this medication to relieve some symptoms of anxiety. When taken for this purpose, the oral Vistaril® dosage is usually similar to the dose that would be taken for pruritis. Sometimes, an IM injection of this drug is used to treat anxiety in adults. In this case, the IM dosage used is usually 50 mg to 100 mg at first. This dose may be given every four to six hours afterward, depending on the severity of the anxiety.
Another possible use for hydroxyzine is as a sedative during surgery. A usual Vistaril® dosage for adults undergoing surgery is 50 mg to 100 mg taken half an hour prior to surgery. Children that take this medication for the same reason typically receive a dose of 0.6 mg per 1 kg, or 2.2 lb, body weight. This dosage may be given orally, but is often administered through injection to avoid any potential nausea.