What is the brand name for Hydroxyzine?
The most common brand name for Hydroxyzine is Atarax / Vistaril.
PTCE Top 200 · #39
Hydroxyzine
Atarax / Vistaril
Hydroxyzine is the generic name for the brand-name drug Atarax. It is an antihistamine (1st generation) used to treat anxiety, itching. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Hydroxyzine ranks #39 and is one of the most frequently tested respiratory/allergy medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Hydroxyzine |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Atarax / Vistaril |
| Drug class | Antihistamine (1st generation) |
| Class group | Respiratory/Allergy |
| Common use | anxiety, itching |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Hydroxyzine used for?
Antihistamine with sedative properties used for symptomatic relief of anxiety and for pruritus due to allergic conditions (product‑specific).
What drug class is Hydroxyzine?
Hydroxyzine is an Antihistamine (1st generation) in the Respiratory/Allergy group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Hydroxyzine
- arrow_rightDrowsiness
- arrow_rightDry mouth
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightBlurred vision
- arrow_rightConstipation
Major interactions
- arrow_rightAlcohol and other CNS depressants ↑ sedation/impairment
- arrow_rightQT‑prolonging drugs may increase arrhythmia risk in susceptible patients
- arrow_rightAnticholinergic drugs add dry mouth/constipation/urinary retention
Is Hydroxyzine a controlled substance?
No. Hydroxyzine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Hydroxyzine (PTCE mnemonic)
ATA-rax A-Tax-es anxiety — hydrox-YZINE is 1st-gen H1 (sleepy). Anticholinergic: 'hot, dry, red, mad, blind'; QT prolongation in elderly.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Hydroxyzine is a sedating (1st-generation) antihistamine used for itching and anxiety — note the two brands, Atarax and Vistaril, for the same generic.
Hydroxyzine FAQ
What is Hydroxyzine used for?
Hydroxyzine is used to treat anxiety, itching. Antihistamine with sedative properties used for symptomatic relief of anxiety and for pruritus due to allergic conditions (product‑specific).
What drug class is Hydroxyzine?
Hydroxyzine is an Antihistamine (1st generation) (Respiratory/Allergy group).
Is Hydroxyzine a controlled substance?
No. Hydroxyzine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Respiratory/Allergy group
Drill Hydroxyzine the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).