Hydroxyzine 25 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Itching from hives, eczema, allergic rashes and other itchy skin conditions; Short-term relief of anxiety and tension.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.75 to ₹7.80 per tablet across 7 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydroxyzine Tablets IP 25mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 15 | ₹11.25 | ₹0.75 | 19 October 2026 |
| Atazis 25 | Leeford Healthcare Ltd | 10 | ₹32.00 | ₹3.20 | 19 October 2026 |
| Alerex 25 | Micro Labs Ltd | 15 | ₹60.28 | ₹4.02 | 19 October 2026 |
| Hizet 25 | Talent India | 15 | ₹69.38 | ₹4.63 | 19 October 2026 |
| Prugo 25 | Oaknet Healthcare Pvt Ltd | 15 | ₹89.46 | ₹5.96 | 19 October 2026 |
| Hicope 25 | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 15 | ₹90.37 | ₹6.02 | 19 October 2026 |
| Atarax 25 | Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd | 15 | ₹117.04 | ₹7.80 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Itching from hives, eczema, allergic rashes and other itchy skin conditions.
- Short-term relief of anxiety and tension.
- Sedation before or after surgery, as given by the hospital.
- Night-time itching that disturbs sleep.
How to take it
Take it as your doctor prescribes, usually 25 mg once at bedtime or up to three or four times a day for severe itching, swallowed with water, with or without food. Because it causes drowsiness, many doctors start with the night-time dose. Use it for the shortest time that controls symptoms; it is not meant for long-term daily use. Do not drive or use machines until you know how it affects you. See a doctor if you develop palpitations, fainting, tremor or a rash with fever.
Side effects
Common
- Drowsiness and tiredness.
- Dry mouth.
- Headache or dizziness.
- Confusion, especially in older adults.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Fast, irregular heartbeat or fainting – hydroxyzine can prolong the QT interval. Seek help immediately.
- Fits or uncontrollable shaking movements.
- Skin rash with blisters, pus-filled spots or fever.
- Severe allergic reaction with swelling and difficulty breathing.
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol. It greatly increases drowsiness and slows your reactions.
Pregnancy
Do not take in pregnancy, especially the first three months and near delivery, unless your doctor says it is essential. Do not breastfeed while taking it.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease; the dose is usually halved.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; a lower dose or less frequent dosing is usual.
Children
Used in children only at a weight-based dose prescribed by a doctor.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Do not double up.
Interactions
- Sleeping pills, alprazolam, clonazepam, strong painkillers (tramadol) – dangerous drowsiness.
- Medicines that affect heart rhythm – amiodarone, sotalol, citalopram, escitalopram, domperidone, azithromycin, moxifloxacin – higher risk of abnormal heartbeat.
- Other antihistamines (cetirizine, chlorpheniramine) – adds drowsiness and dry mouth.
- Antidepressants and antipsychotics – more sedation and heart-rhythm risk.
- Cimetidine – raises hydroxyzine levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is Atarax 25 a sleeping pill?
No, it is an antihistamine used for itching and short-term anxiety, but drowsiness is its main side effect, which is why doctors often give it at night. It should not be used just as a sleeping aid without medical advice.
Atarax 10 vs Atarax 25 – what is the difference?
Both contain hydroxyzine. The 10 mg tablet is used for mild itching or in children and the elderly; 25 mg is the usual adult dose for itching and anxiety. Take the strength your doctor prescribed.
Can I take Atarax 25 with alcohol?
No. Alcohol with hydroxyzine causes heavy drowsiness and slows your breathing and reactions.
Can I take Atarax 25 every day for a long time?
It is meant for short courses. Long-term daily use increases drowsiness, confusion in older people and heart-rhythm risks, so review with your doctor if you need it beyond a few weeks.
Is Atarax safe in pregnancy?
No. Hydroxyzine should be avoided in pregnancy, especially the early months and around delivery, and it is not used while breastfeeding.
Atarax vs cetirizine for itching – which is better?
Cetirizine is made from hydroxyzine and causes much less drowsiness, so it is preferred for daytime allergies. Hydroxyzine is stronger for severe itching, particularly at night.
Can Atarax 25 affect the heart?
Rarely, hydroxyzine can cause an irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation). Tell your doctor if you have heart disease or take other heart-rhythm medicines, and seek help for palpitations or fainting.
Can elderly people take Hicope 25?
With caution. Older adults are more likely to get confusion, falls and heart-rhythm problems; doctors use lower doses or safer alternatives.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Hydroxyzine (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms