HYDROXYZINE

What is hydroxyzine, and how does it work?

Hydroxyzine is an H1 receptor antagonist that blocks histamine release in the body. Histamine is involved in the immune response; its primary role is to start an allergic reaction when the body encounters a foreign substance. Hydroxyzine is commonly used to mediate the allergic symptoms of itching.

How does hydroxyzine help in long-COVID?

In some COVID-19 patients, COVID-19 causes a vast over-response of the immune system, otherwise referred to as a cytokine storm. During this period, the immune response is heightened, and histamine is also affected [1]. Hydroxyzine keeps this immune response at bay, leading to clinical outcomes such as reduced chest pain, wheezing, and exercise intolerance [2]. Several case reports have shown that a longer duration of therapy with hydroxyzine can lead to significantly better outcomes in patients with long COVID [3]. Although more research needs to be completed, early data shows promise with hydroxyzine in helping patients return to pre-COVID levels of pulmonary endurance, something many are struggling with months after initial COVID-19 infection.

References:

¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7470786/

²https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9903129/#:~:text=ROLE%20OF%20ANTIHISTAMINES&text=Several%20studies%20have%20shown%20that,antiviral%20and%20anti%E2%80%90inflammatory%20properties.&text=Moreover%2C%20antihistamines%20have%20shown%20to,post%E2%80%90Covid%E2%80%9019%20infection

3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8820139/