Minimum Age for Hydroxyzine Administration
Hydroxyzine can be safely administered to children under 6 years of age at a dosage of 50 mg daily in divided doses, as specified in the FDA drug label. 1
Dosing Guidelines by Age
Children Under 6 Years
- Anxiety and tension: 50 mg daily in divided doses 1
- Pruritus/allergic conditions: 50 mg daily in divided doses 1
- Premedication sedation: 0.6 mg/kg of body weight 1
Children Over 6 Years
- Anxiety and tension: 50-100 mg daily in divided doses 1
- Pruritus/allergic conditions: 50-100 mg daily in divided doses 1
- Premedication sedation: 0.6 mg/kg of body weight 1
Safety Considerations
Hydroxyzine has been documented as safe for pediatric use with appropriate dosing. The most common adverse effects reported include:
Important Precautions
- Monitor for potential respiratory complications, particularly when hydroxyzine is used in combination with other sedative medications 2
- Be aware that hydroxyzine has been used safely in pediatric dental procedures as a sedative agent 3, 2
- Lower doses (0.7 mg/kg three times daily) have been shown to be as effective as higher doses (1.4 mg/kg three times daily) for treating pruritus in children with atopic dermatitis, while causing significantly less sedation 4
Clinical Applications
Hydroxyzine is commonly used in pediatric populations for:
- Management of anxiety
- Treatment of pruritus due to allergic conditions
- Premedication sedation before procedures
Monitoring Recommendations
When administering hydroxyzine to young children:
- Ensure proper weight-based dosing
- Monitor for excessive sedation, particularly in very young children
- Be cautious when combining with other CNS depressants
Hydroxyzine has been used safely in children under appropriate medical supervision, with the FDA-approved label specifically addressing dosing for children under 6 years of age, confirming there is no absolute minimum age restriction for its use.