Hydroxyzine is a piperazine derivative that is used as an antihistamine (especially for itches), anti-emetic (nausea reducing), and anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) drug. It can also be used as an addition to pre and post-operative medication, and it also possesses a weak analgesic effect.

Mechanism of hydroxyzine:

Histamine is released by the body during several types of allergic reactions and - to a lesser extent - during some viral infections, such as the common cold. When histamine binds to its receptors on cells, it causes changes within the cells that lead to sneezing, itching, and increased mucus production.

Antihistamines compete with histamine for cell receptors, however, when they bind to the receptors they do not stimulate the cells. In addition, they prevent histamine from binding and stimulating the cells. After ingestion, the molecule of hydroxyzine is changed slightly, and this changed hydroxyzine is what binds to the cells.

 

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