Hydroxyzine

(Atarax, Vistaril)

Side Effects

Drowsiness, xerostomia (dry mouth)

RN Consideration

Rx of pruritus, pre-op anxiety, post-op nausea and vomiting, to potentiate opioid analgesics, sedation

PO: Onset 15-30 min, duration 4-6 hrs

Avoid use with AcOH, and other CNS depressant

Teach pt re dizziness/drowsiness may occur; use caution with potentially hazardous activities

Preg Cat C (bad for fetus)

Cetirizine

(Zyrtec)

Side Effects

Drowsiness, Fatigue, Xerostomia (dry mouth)

Nursing Considerations

Rx seasonal allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis caused by molds, animal dander and other allergens.

Avoid AcOH 

Preg Cat B

Fexofenadine

(Allegra)

Side Effects

Drowsiness

Nursing Considerations

Mgmt if rhinitis, allergy symptoms, chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives)

Avoid AcOH and other CNS depressants

60 mg tab: onset within 1 hr, peak 2-3 hrs, duration ~12 hrs

80 mg tab: duration 24 hrs

Preg Cat C (not proven to be okay)

Loratadine

(Claritin)

Side Effects

Drowsiness

Nursing Considerations

Mgmt of seasonal rhinitis

Avoid AcOH and other CNS depressants

Take on an empty stomach 1 hr before or 2 hrs after meals

Onset: 1-3 hrs, pk 8-12 hrs, duration >/= 24hrs

Rx OTC

Preg Cat B (not proven to be bad, but use with caution)