What is Atarax?
Atarax is a prescription drug used to treat symptoms of itching caused by allergies and anxiety. Atarax may be used on its own or with other medicines. Atarax belongs to a class of drugs called Antihistamines, 1st Generation, Antihistamines, Antihistamines, Piperazine Derivatives.
Atarax Uses
Hydroxyzine is used for the treatment of itching caused by allergies. It is an antihistamine and works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that is produced by your body during an allergic reaction. Hydroxyzine may also be used in the short term to treat anxiety or to help you feel sleepy/relaxed before and after surgery.
How to use Atarax Tablet
Take this medicine by mouth both with and without meals as prescribed by the doctor, usually three or four times per day. If you are using the medicine in liquid form, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device or spoon. Do not use a home spoon because you may not have the right dose.
The dose is based on your age, medical problem, and response to therapy. In children, the dose may also be based on weight. Do not increase or decrease your doses or take this medicine more often than what is being directed. Tell your doctor if your condition is not improving.
Atarax Side effects
- Mood changes
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Shaking
- Difficulty urinating
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Rashes
- Severe allergic reactions
- Itching
- Swelling
- Blurred vision
Precautions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking hydroxyzine if you are allergic to it or to cetirizine, or to levocetirizine, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Please talk to your pharmacist for more details
Before using this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, in particular: breathing problems (such as emphysema, asthma), high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems, seizures, stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, blockage), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), difficulty urinating ( due to enlarged prostate).
Hydroxyzine may cause a condition that affects the rhythm of the heart (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause severe (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical attention.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or if you are taking other drugs which may cause QT prolongation. Tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking and if you have any of the following conditions before taking hydroxyzine- Some heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of some heart problems
This medicine can make you dizzy or drowsy also can blur your vision. Alcohol can make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not do the driving, use big machine tools, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Evite alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are taking marijuana (cannabis).
Liquid products may contain sugar or alcohol. Caution is required if you have diabetes, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to reduce or avoid these substances in your diet.
Children might be more sensitive to the serious side effects of this drug. This drug can often cause excitement in young children instead of somnolence.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially somnolence, confusion, constipation, difficulty urinating, or prolongation of QT. Sleepiness and confusion may increase the risk of falling.
This medicine should only be used during pregnancy when truly needed. Consult a doctor about the risks and benefits.
It is not known if this drug is transferred into breast milk. Before breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
Atarax vs Zyrtec
Atarax is antihistamines | Zyrtec is antihistamines |
used to treat allergy symptoms | used to treat allergy symptoms |
Molar mass: 374.904 g/mol | Molar mass: 388.89 g/mol |
This medicine is used for treating of itching caused by allergies | Zyrtec is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of cold or allergy (sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose) |