If you have anxiety, itchy skin from an allergic condition, or an upcoming surgery, you may want to learn more about hydroxyzine (Vistaril).
Hydroxyzine is a generic prescription drug that’s used:
Hydroxyzine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines. The active ingredient of the drug is hydroxyzine. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Hydroxyzine is available in three forms that you take by mouth: a tablet, a capsule, and a liquid solution (syrup). Hydroxyzine also comes as a solution that’s given by injection into a muscle by a healthcare professional. But this article only covers the forms taken by mouth.
Keep reading for details on hydroxyzine and cost, and how to save money on prescriptions.
Note: For more details on hydroxyzine, including its uses and forms, see this in-depth article.
The price you pay for hydroxyzine can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.
To find out how much you’ll pay for hydroxyzine, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover hydroxyzine. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss hydroxyzine in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If hydroxyzine requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.
Be sure to ask your insurance company whether hydroxyzine requires prior authorization.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about hydroxyzine and cost.
How does the cost of a 25-mg tablet differ from that of a 10-mg or 50-mg tablet?
Hydroxyzine comes in three forms that you take by mouth: a tablet, a capsule, and a liquid solution (syrup). The tablets and capsules are available in multiple strengths. The form and strength you’re prescribed could affect how much you pay for hydroxyzine.
- Hydroxyzine hydrochloride (HCl) tablets are available in three strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 25 mg, and 50 mg.
- Hydroxyzine pamoate capsules are available in two strengths: 25 mg and 50 mg.
Your cost for hydroxyzine may also depend on the condition you’re taking the drug for, whether you have health insurance, and the pharmacy you use (if you don’t have health insurance).
To find out what your cost of hydroxyzine will be, based on the form and strength you’re prescribed, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
To find out the exact cost of your hydroxyzine prescription, ask your doctor or check with a few pharmacies. If you have health insurance, you can also check with your insurance provider.
What is hydroxyzine’s cost without insurance vs. with insurance?
The cost of hydroxyzine with insurance versus without insurance depends on several factors. These include your dosage, the form you’re prescribed, and your treatment plan.
If you’re paying for hydroxyzine without insurance, the price can also vary based on the pharmacy you use.
If you have health insurance, contact your insurance provider to find out how much you’ll pay for hydroxyzine.
You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn about the price of hydroxyzine without insurance.
Hydroxyzine is a generic drug. This means it contains an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. A generic is considered to be just as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics generally cost less than brand-name drugs.
Hydroxyzine comes in a brand-name version called Vistaril. To find out how the costs of Vistaril and hydroxyzine compare, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
If you’ve been prescribed hydroxyzine and you’re interested in using Vistaril instead, talk with your doctor. They may prefer that you take one version instead of the other. In addition, you’ll need to check with your insurance provider. This is because it may only cover one drug or the other.
Why is there such a cost difference between brand-name drugs and generics?Years of research and testing are needed to ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell the drug for up to 20 years. After that, other drugmakers can create generic versions. This competition in the market can lead to lower costs for generics. And because generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower generic costs.
If you need help covering the cost of hydroxyzine or understanding your insurance, check out these resources:
On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.
If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you still have questions about the cost of hydroxyzine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you’ll pay for this drug. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for hydroxyzine.
Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:
- Does the cost of hydroxyzine depend on how often I take the medication?
- What are my options if I can’t afford my medication?
- Does hydroxyzine’s price depend on the condition I take it for?
To learn more about hydroxyzine, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
