Atarax

Brand Names

Atarax, Vistaril

What is Atarax

Atarax (hydroxyzine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to relieve the itching due to allergies and to control the nausea and vomiting caused by various conditions, including motion sickness. It is also effective for anxiety and for treatment of symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Side effects of Atarax

The most common side effects of Atarax may include:

• dry mouth, nose, and throat
• upset stomach
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• chest congestion
• headache
• reddening of skin

Once you have noticed the following serious side effects, you should stop taking this medication and inform your doctor as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing
• muscle weakness
• increased anxiety

Indication

Atarax is used for the following purposes:

• Treating anxiety, tension, and agitation associated with psychiatric disorders
• Relieving itching linked to: allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis; nonallergic histamine reactions (such as often occur with opioid pain medications)
• Acting as a sedative before and after general anesthesia

This medication can be used in combination with opioid pain relievers such as morphine. Not only does Atarax help the opioid work better (allowing a lower dosage to be used), but it helps relieve the itching that opioids can cause.

Precautions

You should inform your doctor before using this medicine if you:

• Have alzheimer's disease
• Have liver disease such as liver failure, hepatitis or cirrhosis
• Have kidney disease such as kidney failure (renal failure)
• Have glaucoma
• Have an enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)
• Have difficulty passing urine
• Have heart disease
• Have any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes or preservatives
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding or thinking of becoming pregnant

Dosage forms

Atarax dose for Anxiety

The standard recommended Atarax dosage for treating anxiety in adults is 50-100 mg 4 times daily. For children over 6 years old, the dose is 50-100 mg daily in "divided" doses (presumably 2-4 doses per day). For children under 6 years old, the recommendation is 50 mg daily in divided doses.

Atarax dose Before or After General Anesthesia

The standard dose of Atarax when used as a sedative for use before or after general anesthesia for adults is 50-100 mg; the amount for children is based on weight (0.6 mg per pound of body weight).

Atarax dose for Itching

The standard dosage for treating itching in adults is Atarax 25 mg 3-4 times daily. For children over 6 years old, the recommended amount is 50-100 mg in "divided" doses (presumably two to four doses per day). For children under 6 years old, the recommendation is 50 mg daily in divided doses.