What is Atarax?
Atarax is a trading name of the active ingredient Hydroxyzine. This ingredient provides a wide action mainly on the central nervous system.
Atarax provides a positive influence on the cognitive abilities, improves memories and attention. It relaxes the skeletal and smooth muscle, helps to relax and calm down. In the dermatological practice, Atarax is also used. It significantly reduces itching in patients with urticaria, eczema and dermatitis. The pharmacological action of Atarax is conditioned by blocking histamine receptors, and therefore the symptoms of the allergic reaction pass quickly. The additional use of the antihistamine products is not required after the use of Atarax. At the same time, the central nervous system calms down, the quality of sleep is improved, and a patient easily overcomes the various forms of the allergic diseases.
Atarax is produced in the tablets for the oral use. It is used entirely, without breaking it, and with a glass of water. Food does not influence on the bioavailability of the active ingredients of Atarax in the blood plasma and on the pharmacological functions of the drug.
- The use of Atarax is contraindicated during porphyria, hereditary galactose intolerance, increased intraocular pressure, chronic hypotension, bradycardia.
A side effect of Atarax may be caused by an overdose. Using high daily dose, an excessive sedation and myorelaxation is possible. It leads to the appearance of such side effects as dry mouth, sleepiness, general fatigue, dizziness, blood hypotension, tachycardia, nausea, and high sweating.
It gives a sedative, anti-anxiety, antiemetic action during the peroral use of Atarax in therapeutic doses. This is a soft tranquilizer which inhibits the increased agitation of the central nervous system. Atarax is not characterized by the side effects like stronger tranquilizers have, and therefore it may be used for a long time without harming the body.
Recommendations for Use
A wide pharmacological activity of Atarax helps to use this product in the treatment and prevention of such diseases as:
- Psychomotor agitation
- Anxiety
- A sense of inner tension
- Increased irritability
- Neurological disorders
- Somatic diseases due to the affection of the central and autonomic nervous system
- Alcoholism
- Symptomatic treatment of allergic skin diseases: dermatitis, urticaria, and others
In what dose is Atarax used?
If anxiety, patients are recommended to take a tablet of Atarax 25 mg 1-2 times per day. In case of the acute state of the anxious disorder or psychomotor agitation, a daily dose of Atarax may be increased up to 100-150 mg. Most part of the daily dose of Atarax should be used for the night, this will help to improve the quality of sleep.
A starting dose of Atarax is 25 mg for the symptomatic treatment of itching. If needed, a dose may be increased up to 100 mg – a tablet of Atarax 25 mg 4 times per day every 6 hours.
Patients with renal failure of the middle and severe level and with hepatic failure should reduce the daily dose of Atarax by 50%. Aged patients should also begin the treatment from the minimal daily dose of Atarax 25 mg. If the side effects are absent, the dose may be increased only up to 50 mg per day.
Precautions
- The use of Atarax is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation
- If you are taking Atarax, do not use any medical or non-medical products inhibiting the functions of the central nervous system including alcohol
Side Effects
Using Atarax in the recommended doses does not inhibit breathing. But if you have shortness of breath or difficulty of breathing after the use of Atarax, seek for a medical aid right away.