hydroxyzine and prolonged QTc
The Pharmacovigilence Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) of the European Medicines Agency just issues a warning about hydroxyzine being associated with increased QTc intervals and torsade de pointes (see hydroxyzine and inc QTC europe 2015 in dropbox, or http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Press_release/2015/02/WC500182462.pdf ). Hydroxyzine is a first-generation antihistamine, commonly used for pruritus, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders and as a premedication before surgery, as well as off-label as an anti-emetic. They felt it was okay to continue using hydoxyzine since the cardiac arrhythmias were most likely to occur in those with risk factors, but they do suggest: --maximum dose of 100mg/d or 2 mg/kg for kids up to 40 kg. Use lowest effective dose and for shortest time possible --avoid using in those "at risk of heart rhythm problems" or in those taking other medications that prolong the QTc --t...