INTRODUCTION
ATARAX contains Hydroxyzine which belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. It helps in relieving of anxiety and tension, managing pruritus due to chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses, and in histamine-mediated pruritus.
Hydroxyzine has sedative and anxiolytic effects due to its high affinity for histaminic receptors in the brain. Due to antihistaminic and sedative property, it is also useful in pruritus and urticaria. ATARAX blocks the action of histamine in the body which is responsible for allergic symptoms and also decreasing the activity in brain and helps in relieving of anxiety and tension.
Always take this ATARAX exactly as directed by your doctor. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney or heart problems, pregnant and breastfeeding. Your doctor will prescribe the right dose depends on your child’s age and body weight. The common side effects are dry mouth, dizziness, constipation and headache.
USES OF ATARAX
- Manages pruritus due to allergic conditions such as chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses, and in histamine-mediated pruritus
- Symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension
HOW ATARAX WORKS
ATARAX is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It blocks the action of histamine in the body which is responsible for allergic symptoms and also decreasing the activity in brain and helps in relieving of anxiety and tension.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Always take this ATARAX exactly as your doctor has told you. Check the label for directions before use. Shake well before use. It may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ATARAX
COMMON
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Somnolence (drowsiness or sleepiness)
RARE
- Convulsions
- Dyskinesia
- Syncope
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Headache:
Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to your forehead. Rest in a quiet, comfortable, dark room.
Dry mouth:
Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies to stimulate the flow of saliva and limit your caffeine intake. Drink small sips of water regularly.
Drowsiness:
Get up and move around to feel awake, take small naps to edge off the sleepiness. Give your eyes a break to avoid fatigue and eat a healthy food to boost energy.
Constipation:
Add fruits, vegetables whole grains and other high-fiber foods to your normal diet.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
ATARAX is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
BREASTFEEDING
ATARAX is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or handle any machines while taking this medicine, since it may cause drowsiness or less alertness.
ALCOHOL
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with ATARAX.
KIDNEY
ATARAX should be used with caution in patients suffering from active kidney diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
LIVER
ATARAX should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver function impairment or active liver diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
ALLERGY
Do not take if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Hydroxyzine.
HEART DISEASE
ATARAX should be used with caution in patients suffering prolonged QT interval or active heart diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
OTHERS
Inform your doctor if you have or had,
- Prostate adenoma with urinary retention
- Porphyria (a disease which causes stomach pain, constipation, changes in the colour of urine, skin rashes and disturbed behaviour)
- Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- Congenital QT interval prolongation
- Hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia
- Hereditary problems of fructose intolerance
- Digestive system or stomach problems
- Myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder)
- Pheochromocytoma
- Dementia
- Seizure disorders
- Breathing problems (asthma)
- Bladder outflow obstruction
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
INTERACTIONS
Inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following,
- Â Quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone, sotalol (used for heart problems)
- Barbiturates, benzodiazepines (for sleeping disorders and epilepsy)
- Cimetidine (for ulcers and heartburn)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Adrenaline
- Phenytoin (used for epilepsy)
- Betahistine (used to treat Ménière’s disease)
- Anticholinergic medicines (used for irritable, bowel syndrome, asthma or incontinence
- Aminophylline (for breathing problems)
- Toremifene, vandetanib (used for cancer)
- Haloperidol, citalopram, escitalopram (used for mental disorders)
- Mefloquine, hydroxychloroquine (used for malaria)
- Erythromycin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, pentamidine (used to treat infection)
- Atropine
MORE INFORMATION
Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.
FAQ’s ABOUT ATARAX
Q: Does ATARAX make you sleepy?
A: It blocks the effects of histamine in your body, which makes you sleepy.
Q: How does ATARAX work for allergies?
A: It reduces inflammation by blocking the release of a natural chemical in our body, called histamine, causes allergic symptoms such as swelling, redness and pain.
Q: Can I stop taking ATARAX when I feel better?
A: No, do not stop taking without consulting your doctor even if you are feeling better, it is advised to continue your treatment for the prescribed duration.
