Patient/caregiver was instructed upon hydroxyzine and mechanism of action of as follows:
- Hydroxyzine is a medication belonging to the antihistamine group, especially used in individuals with complaints of allergy and motion sickness.
- Histamine is a chemical mediator released from the mast cells during an allergy response. Histamine binds to the H-1 receptors on the cells in the body and results in development of symptoms of allergy, such as, itching of the skin, sneezing, runny nose, and increased mucus production in the body.
- Also, acetylcholine is a chemical mediator produced in the body, which acts on receptors called muscarinic receptors, thus contributing to development of symptoms of motion sickness, such as, nausea and vomiting.
- Hydroxyzine blocks the H-1 receptors, thus inhibiting the binding and action of histamine on these receptors and leading to calming down of symptoms of allergy.
- Hydroxyzine also blocks the acetylcholine on the muscarinic receptors, thus suppressing the nausea and vomiting and contributing to the calming down of symptoms of motion sickness.
- Serotonin and dopamine are chemical neurotransmitters in the brain, levels of which are finely regulated, for normal maintenance of mood and behavior. Excessive levels of these neurotransmitters can lead to anxiety and mood disorders. Hydroxyzine can inhibit the action of these neurotransmitters in the brain, thus reducing anxiety and helping to prevent any mood disorder. Hydroxyzine also has some calming down action on the activity of the brain, which results in dizziness and promotion of sleep.
