atarax hydroxyzine
Atarax (hydroxyzine) is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Atarax is used to treat anxiety and tension, to relieve the skin symptoms of allergies, to control nausea and vomiting, and to treat dry mouth. It is also used together with other medications given for anesthesia. Atarax may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important Information
You should not use Atarax if you are allergic to hydroxyzine, or if you are pregnant. To make sure you can safely take Atarax, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions: liver disease; kidney disease; asthma, bronchitis, emphysema; glaucoma; difficulty urinating; or stomach ulcer, blockage in your intestines.
How should I take Atarax?
Take Atarax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take Atarax with a full glass of water. To treat itching, take Atarax by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times daily. To prevent nausea from chemotherapy, take Atarax by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times daily on the day of your chemotherapy. To treat anxiety or tension, take Atarax by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times daily. To treat hives, take Atarax by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times daily. To treat dry mouth, take Atarax by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times daily. To treat nausea and vomiting, take Atarax by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times daily. To treat anxiety and tension before surgery, take Atarax by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times daily the day before surgery. To treat itching from kidney dialysis, take Atarax by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times daily during dialysis. To treat itching in people with liver disease, take Atarax by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times daily. To treat allergies, take Atarax by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times daily. To prevent motion sickness, take Atarax by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times daily. Use Atarax as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. An adult dose of Atarax should not exceed 650 milligrams in 24 hours. To prevent dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or drink (sugarless) water. To use Atarax syrup, measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not take this medicine for longer than 4 months unless your doctor tells you to. Call your doctor if your anxiety symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse. Do not stop using Atarax suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Store Atarax at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Atarax and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: confusion, seizure (convulsions); a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; fast or pounding heartbeats; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); urinating less than usual or not at all; nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Less serious Atarax side effects may include:
drowsiness, dizziness; tired feeling; blurred vision; ringing in your ears; dry mouth, nose, or throat; sleep problems (insomnia); constipation; or mild skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also:
Side effects (in more detail)
Atarax dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety:
Immediate-release tablets: 25 mg orally 3 or 4 times a day Syrup: 10 mg per 5 mL (2 teaspoonfuls [tsp]) 3 or 4 times a day Usual Adult Dose for Itching: Immediate-release tablets: 25 to 100 mg orally 3 or 4 times a day Syrup: 10 mg per 5 mL (2 teaspoonfuls [tsp]) 3 or 4 times a day Usual Geriatric Dose for Anxiety: Immediate-release tablets: 25 mg orally 3 or 4 times a day Syrup: 10 mg per 5 mL (2 teaspoonfuls [tsp]) 3 or 4 times a day Usual Geriatric Dose for Itching
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