Our Comment:
Similar to dimetinden and diphenylhydramin, hydroxyzine is a typical older antihistamine with all the advantages and disadvantages associated to that class of substances. Cetirizine, the most important metabolite, undoubtedly contributes to the effect but only has a mild sedative effect. In the USA, hydroxyzine is also used parenterally, e.g. as an adjuvant for the treatment of pain. The manufacturer in Switzerland stresses its use as an anxiolytic. Personally, I am not convinced that hydroxyzine differs much from other sedative antihistamines in this respect.