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Vistaril dosage: A detailed guide

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Doctors prescribe Vistaril oral forms for anxiety, itching, and to make you sleepy before and after surgery. You take it by mouth 1 to 4 times per day depending on the use.
Medically reviewed by Brittany A. Duke, PharmD, RPh
Updated on

This article describes Vistaril oral forms’ dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Vistaril. To learn more about Vistaril, talk with your doctor.

Vistaril is a brand-name medication that comes as oral capsules and an oral suspension. It’s available in a generic version called hydroxyzine. This article describes dosages of Vistaril.

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Forms and strengths of Vistaril

Vistaril comes in these forms and strengths: 

FormHow to takeStrengths
oral capsuletake by swallowing• 25 milligrams (mg)
• 50 mg
oral suspensiontake by drinking• 25 mg per 5 milliliters (mL)

Dosage of Vistaril

This article describes the recommended dosages for Vistaril oral forms. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Vistaril oral forms without your doctor’s recommendation.

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Usual recommended dosages of Vistaril in adults

Usually, doctors prescribe a standard dosage of Vistaril oral forms in adults.

Dosage for anxiety and other conditions

Condition/PurposeRecommended doseFrequency
anxiety50 to 100 milligrams (mg) 4 times per day 
itching25 mg3 to 4 times per day
before and after surgery to make you sleepy50 to 100 mgone-time dose

Dosages of Vistaril in children

Doctors may prescribe Vistaril oral forms in children.

AgeCondition/PurposeRecommended dosage
under the age of 6 years anxiety50 milligrams (mg) daily, divided into two or more doses
6 years and olderanxiety50 to 100 mg daily, divided into two or more doses
under the age of 6 yearsitching50 mg daily, divided into two or more doses
6 years and olderitching50 to 100 mg daily, divided into two or more doses
any agebefore and after surgery to make you sleepy0.6 mg per 1 kilogram or 2.2 pounds of body weight as a one-time dose

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Vistaril oral forms and its dosage.

What is the Vistaril dosage for sleep?

Doctors may use Vistaril oral forms before and after surgery to make you sleepy. You will usually take a one-time dose of 50 to 100 milligrams (mg) for this purpose. You can learn more about the dosage for this use in the “Dosage of Vistaril” section above.

If you have questions or concerns about your dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What is the maximum Vistaril dose for anxiety?

The maximum dosage of Vistaril oral forms for treating anxiety in adults is 100 mg four times per day. In children, the maximum dosage depends on their age. For children under the age of 6 years, it’s 50 mg daily, divided into two or more doses. For children 6 years and older, it’s 100 mg daily, divided into two or more doses.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you feel like your Vistaril oral forms dosage isn’t working. Don’t change your dosage without talking with your doctor first. If you have questions or concerns about your dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Vistaril coupon

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Overdose of Vistaril

It’s important that you do not take more Vistaril than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of Vistaril overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • extreme sleepiness
  • nausea or vomiting
  • seizures

What to do if you take too much Vistaril

If you think you’ve taken too much Vistaril, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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