How it works

You can use hydroxyzine to treat itches or as a preoperative anxiety reliever before surgery.

The exact mechanism of action of hydroxyzine in the brain is unknown, but experts speculate that it may inhibit activity in some important areas of the central nervous system's subcortical region (which is the part of the brain located below the cerebral cortex).

In addition to skeletal muscle relaxation, hydroxyzine has been shown to have bronchodilator activity (opening of the airways), antihistaminic (relieving allergy symptoms such as itching), antiemetic (relieving nausea and vomiting), and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects.

The group of medications known as diphenylmethanes includes hydroxyzine. Another name for it is an antihistamine.