Since they are in the same drug class, they share many similarities.

It comes in two different forms: hydroxyzine hydrochloride and hydroxyzine pamoate.

The main difference between hydrochloride and pamoate is the dosage form.

Young Caucasian woman with curly hair blowing your nose in a tissue at street in Autumn.

Hydroxyzine hydrochloride is available as a:

Hydroxyzine pamoate is available as a capsule.

These are called off-label uses.

Hydroxyzine is sometimes prescribed off-label for insomnia (trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep) andseasonal allergies.

It is sometimes used until maintenance therapy starts to work.

AGEP causes the skin to appear reddened and swollen and produces small pus-filled bumps.

A fever may also be present.

If you develop these symptoms, you should immediately stop taking hydroxyzine and call your healthcare provider.

These medications are just as effective for conditions likeallergic rhinitisbut typically are not as effective for treating hives.

If you experience bothersome or severe side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

It found that long-term use of these medications can increase the risk of dementia.

Given this, they are best used as short-term medications.

These include medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antibiotics.

Your pharmacist or healthcare provider can tell you if any of your medications interact.

Benadryl should not be given to children under the age of 6 unless advised by a healthcare provider.

If Benadryl is recommended for your child, ask for dosage instructions.

While Benadryl typically causes sedation, the opposite can occur in children.

This means it could cause excitement and agitation.

Benadryl is available without a prescription but is not recommended for children under the age of 6.

Hydroxyzine requires a prescription from a healthcare provider and is approved for children under the age of 6.

Both hydroxyzine and Benadryl share a similar side effect profile, including drowsiness and dry mouth.

However, hydroxyzine may cause more dangerous side effects such as AGEP and heart arrhythmia.

Since they both cause drowsiness, be cautious about taking other medications that also have this side effect.

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