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Can Hydroxyzine Cause Hair Loss?

Hydroxyzine treats allergies that may lead to hair loss in cats. In humans, hydroxyzine treats symptoms without the negative side effect of hair loss, making it an alternative to those drugs that cause hair to fall out.

  1. Function

    • Hydroxyzine hydrochloride (brand name Vistaril and Atarax) is an antihistamine and mild tranquilizer. It relieves anxiety due to illness and itching due to allergic reactions. It also induces sedation before and after general anesthesia, according to HealthSquare.com.

    Background

    • Hydroxyzine comes in generic and brand name prescriptions. The drug gained FDA approval in 1956, according to MedicineNet.com.

    Veterinary Uses

    • Veterinarians prescribe hydroxyzine to treat dogs, cats and horses with atopic dermatitis, itching and hives. The itch and scratch cycle associated with these skin disorders can lead to alopecia, a patchy hair loss on the animal's coat. Hair loss is not a common side effect, according to WedgewoodPharmacy.com.

    Application

    • For humans, the drug is administered as tablets, capsules, syrup, liquid and injections. Hydroxyzine doesn't cause hair loss in humans. Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth and headaches, according to MedTV.com.

    Warning

    • Hydroxyzine should not be used in combination with other antihistamine drugs or while pregnant. It may exaggerate the sedative effects of alcohol.

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