Atarax
What is Atarax?
Antihistamine Atarax reduces the body's natural histamine levels in order to work. Histamine-related symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose.
Atarax is used to treat anxiety, tension, and itching as well as the skin manifestations of allergies like hives and contact dermatitis.
Other uses for atarax that aren't covered in this medication guide are also possible.
Important information
Use Atarax exactly as directed by your doctor. Never use more, less, or for a longer period of time than advised.
Take this medication only as directed by your doctor. A fatal hydroxyzine overdose is possible.
Extreme drowsiness, vomiting, pinpoint pupils, cold and clammy skin, muscle weakness, fainting, and seizures (convulsions) are just a few of the overdose symptoms that can occur.
Steer clear of alcohol. Some of the negative effects of Atarax may worsen as a result.
Seizures (convulsions), yellowing of the skin or eyes, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), fever, sore throat, headache, and a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash are all serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
The following less severe side effects could occur: drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, or loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
There may be additional side effects; this is not a comprehensive list. For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor.
How should I take Atarax?
As directed by your physician, take Atarax as directed. Observe every instruction on the prescription drug label. Never take this medication in excess or in a lesser quantity, or for an extended period of time.
Atarax is typically taken four times per day to treat itching. Atarax is typically taken three or four times per day to treat anxiety or tension. Pay attention to your doctor's advice.
Along with a full glass of water, take this medication. Never consume it with soda or juice. You can take hydroxyzine with or without food as long as you take it consistently each time.
The oral suspension (liquid) should be shaken before each dose is taken. Use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon) or the dosing syringe that is provided.
In case you require surgery, let the doctor know in advance that you are taking hydroxyzine. You might have to take a brief break from taking the medication.
Unless your doctor has instructed you to, do not take Atarax for longer than 4 months.
Your blood may need to be tested frequently to ensure that this medication is beneficial to your condition and not having negative side effects. Visit your physician frequently.
Pharmacokinetics
The gastrointestinal tract quickly absorbs hydroxyzine, which has a bioavailability of about 70%. It has sedative and anxiolytic effects and penetrates the blood-brain barrier. Its half-life ranges from 6.5 to 20 hours, with a mean of 11.4 hours.
Research
There is little information on how hydroxyzine affects people. The drug does, however, have antispasmodic, sedative, antihistamine, cough suppressant, and local anesthetic effects, according to in vitro and animal studies. It has also been demonstrated to prevent serotonin and norepinephrine from being reabsorbed.
Atarax may lead to habit formation. Never give Atarax to someone else, especially if they have a history of substance abuse or addiction. Whether Atarax will harm an unborn child is unknown. If you intend to become pregnant while receiving treatment, let your doctor know. Because it can enter breast milk, hydroxyzine poses a risk to nursing infants. When taking Atarax, you should not breastfeed.
The likelihood of this medication's side effects increasing with age.
Without consulting a doctor, do not administer this medication to children. Children may be more susceptible to this medication's side effects, particularly drowsiness and weight loss.