Atarax Oral

Atarax is an oral drug which is used for the relief of anxiety and tension due to psychiatric problems and other medical conditions where there is anxiety. This drug can also be used to relieve itching due to allergy, urticarial/ hives and skin conditions such as a topic or contact dermatitis. This drug contains hydroxyzine hydrochloride.

Atarax is available as syrup containing hydroxyzine hydrochloride 10 milligram in 5 milliliter and as tablets containing 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg of hydroxyzine hydrochloride.

Instructions

You should read the product information leaflet before using this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication should be taken by mouth as instructed by your doctor. For tablets, do not crush or chew the drug because it may diminish its effects. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You should swallow the drug whole.

For syrup, use a special medication spoon or a kitchen measuring spoon, not a household spoon.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and the way you will respond to treatment. Take this drug regularly to experience the most benefits. You should also take this drug at the same time each day.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as prescribed by your doctor or as stated on the package label.

Interactions

Atarax may interact with medications such as:

• Antispasmodics (e.g., atropine, belladonna alkaloids)
• Epinephrine
• MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• Drugs for Parkinson's disease (e.g., anticholinergics such as benztropine, trihexyphenidyl)
• Scopolamine
• Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline)
• Certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
• Anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine)
• Medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem)
• Muscle relaxants
• Narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine)
• Psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, trazodone)

Side Effects

There are no side effects known aside from a possible allergic reaction in people who have previous or unknown hypersensitivity to the drug.

Watch out for signs of allergic reactions such as:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling

Warnings

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following:

• Allergy to hydroxyzine
• Breathing problems (e.g., emphysema, asthma)
• A certain eye problem (glaucoma)
• Heart problems
• High blood pressure
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• Seizures
• Stomach/intestine problems (e.g., ulcer, blockage)
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Problems urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate, bladder blockage)
• Pregnancy or lactation