Hydroxyzine Dosage Chart: Quick Guide to Safe Dosing

Hydroxyzine is a sedating antihistamine used for itching, allergy symptoms, anxiety, and short-term sleep aid. Dosing depends on the reason you take it, your age, and whether you use the hydrochloride or pamoate form. Below are common dose ranges and simple tips to keep you safe. This is general information and not a prescription—talk to your doctor for a dose that fits you.

Common adult dosing

Itching or hives: 25–100 mg per day divided into two to four doses. A typical plan is 25 mg twice daily for mild symptoms and 50 mg every 6 to 8 hours for stronger relief. Total daily doses usually stay under 400 mg. Anxiety: single doses of 25 to 100 mg are common, often 50 mg for moderate anxiety. Sleep or pre‑procedure sedation: 25 to 100 mg once, with lower doses for older adults.

Children, older adults, and special situations

Children: dose is weight-based; doctors commonly use about 0.5 to 1 mg per kg per dose, given two to three times daily. Pediatric dosing varies with formulation and age—always confirm with a pediatrician. Older adults: start low and go slow because sedation, dizziness, and falls are more likely. A common starting range is 10 to 25 mg once or twice daily, adjusted carefully.

Liver or kidney disease: dose reductions or longer dosing intervals may be needed since clearance drops and effects last longer.

Timing and safety tips: take with or without food; avoid alcohol and other sedatives like benzodiazepines, opioids, or strong sleep aids. Mixing sedatives increases drowsiness and breathing risk—ask your prescriber before combining medications.

Side effects: common ones are drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, and blurred vision; serious problems like fast heartbeat or severe allergic reaction are rare but need immediate care. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: talk to your doctor—hydroxyzine may not be recommended during pregnancy or while nursing without medical advice.

Missed dose: take it when you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose; do not double up.

Printable chart: ask your pharmacist to make a schedule with pill strengths and exact times that fit your other meds and daily routine. Ask pharmacist to print a personalized chart.

Formulations and pill strengths: hydroxyzine pamoate commonly comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg capsules; hydroxyzine hydrochloride is available as 10 mg and 25 mg tablets or syrup.

If you take heart medicines or have irregular heartbeat, tell your doctor—hydroxyzine can rarely affect heart rhythm and may increase risk with other QT‑prolonging drugs.

Keep a diary for a week: note dose, time, sedation level, and symptoms to help fine-tune dosing.

If severe drowsiness, breathing problems, fast heartbeat, or allergic symptoms occur, stop and seek emergency care.

If you have questions about interactions or side effects, call your pharmacist or prescriber—small changes in dose make a big difference with sedating drugs. This page gives clear dose ranges and safety tips, but your doctor should pick the exact numbers for your health needs and questions.