Hydroxyzine is a first-generation antihistamine medication primarily used to manage symptoms of anxiety and to relieve pruritus, or itching, caused by allergic reactions. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance the body releases during an allergic response. Because hydroxyzine is available in various forms and strengths, understanding the physical appearance of the pill is important for proper identification and safe use.
The Two Primary Forms of Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine is manufactured and sold under two distinct chemical salts: hydroxyzine hydrochloride (HCl) and hydroxyzine pamoate. This chemical difference dictates the physical presentation of the pill, determining whether it is a solid, compressed tablet or a two-piece capsule. The hydrochloride form is often associated with the brand name Atarax, while the pamoate form is frequently linked to the brand Vistaril. Both salts deliver the same active medication.
Visual Characteristics of Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride
The hydroxyzine hydrochloride form is generally produced as a conventional, film-coated tablet. The most common color for these tablets across various manufacturers is white, regardless of the dosage strength. These tablets are typically round or convex, meaning they have a slightly domed surface. Depending on the manufacturer, however, the tablets may also appear in colors including green, light blue, or orange.
The standard dosage strengths for the hydrochloride tablet form are 10 milligrams (mg), 25 mg, and 50 mg. Tablets are often debossed with a specific alphanumeric imprint code unique to the manufacturer and the strength. Some generic versions may feature a bisecting score line, allowing the tablet to be broken, though many contemporary versions are unscored.
Visual Characteristics of Hydroxyzine Pamoate
Hydroxyzine pamoate is distinct because it is nearly always dispensed as a capsule rather than a compressed tablet. The typical capsule structure consists of two interlocking pieces containing a fine yellow powder, which is the hydroxyzine pamoate salt. This form is available in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
The visual presentation relies on different color combinations to distinguish the strengths, such as green/white or yellow/pink. Like the tablet form, the capsules feature indelible imprints, which include both letters and numbers.
Identifying Manufacturer and Dosage Variations
The exact appearance of any hydroxyzine pill can shift significantly due to generic drug manufacturing. Multiple companies produce generic versions of both hydroxyzine hydrochloride and hydroxyzine pamoate, and each manufacturer uses its own set of dyes, molds, and imprinting standards.
The only reliable way to confirm the identity and dosage of the medication is to check the alphanumeric imprint code on the pill’s surface. This code must match the information provided by the dispensing pharmacy and correlate with the dosage listed on the prescription label. If the pill’s color, shape, or imprint code does not match previous refills or the current prescription details, contacting the pharmacist is the appropriate step to verify the medication before consumption.