Question 1

What is Hydroxyzine used for?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyzine is indicated for: anxiety, Pruritus.

Question 2

What routes can Hydroxyzine be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO, IM.

Question 3

Which species have cited Hydroxyzine dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyzine dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Hydroxyzine a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyzine is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Hydroxyzine?

Accepted Answer

Sedation common. Anticholinergic effects. Used for pruritus and anxiety. IM injection painful — avoid. Metabolized to cetirizine which is also used clinically.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Hydroxyzine?

Accepted Answer

Sedation common. Anticholinergic effects. Used for pruritus and anxiety. IM injection painful — avoid. Metabolized to cetirizine which is also used clinically.

Question 7

How does Hydroxyzine work?

Accepted Answer

H1 antihistamine with anxiolytic and antipruritic properties. Metabolized to cetirizine (active metabolite). Crosses blood-brain barrier.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	1–2 mg/kg	q8-12h	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)	PO	1–2 mg/kg	q12h	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Hydroxyzine

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Hydroxyzine dosing data (2 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Backed by a published primary source

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

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