Avoid Hydroxyzine in Patients at High Risk of QT Prolongation

August 2016

New Health Canada warnings will raise questions about the risk of QT prolongation with hydroxyzine (Atarax, etc).

We know that hydroxyzine has been used for years for itching due to allergies, anxiety in adults, nausea and vomiting, and as dental premedication.

Since these are seldom life-threatening indications, it's concerning that hydroxyzine may be associated with QT prolongation.

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Table of Contents

Practice Make the Most of What a Licensed Technician Can Do
Naloxone Use These Tips On How to Offer Patients Naloxone Rescue Therapy
Diabetes Consider Cardiovascular Disease When Recommending Metformin Add-Ons
Diabetes Recommend Monitoring Kidney Function in Patients Starting an SGLT2 Inhibitor
Antidepressants Recommend Monitoring Blood Pressure With the New Antidepressant Fetzima
Women's Health Be Familiar With Alternatives to Lyrica in Pregnant Women
Adverse Events Avoid Hydroxyzine in Patients at High Risk of QT Prolongation
Epilepsy Consider Brivaracetam (Brivlera) As An Alternative To Levetiracetam
MRSA Help Patients Understand What Really Works to Prevent Spreading MRSA
Parkinson's Disease Suggest Reducing Parkinson's Meds that Might be Contributing to Psychosis
Gastroenterology Recommend Antacids WithOUT Aspirin for Patients at Risk for GI Bleeding
Medication Errors Don't Mistake the Abbreviation "Q6pm" for "Every 6 Hours as Needed"
OTC Products Tell Patients Denatured Alcohol is NOT for Medical Use