Atarax (Hydroxyzine)

Common Use

Atarax contains the active ingredient hydroxyzine, which belongs to a class of medications called antihistamines with additional properties. In simple terms, it works by blocking the effects of histamine (a chemical released during allergic reactions) while also having a calming effect on the central nervous system. After ingestion, hydroxyzine is converted in the body to its active form called cetirizine (the active ingredient in Zyrtec), which continues to provide antihistamine effects.

Atarax has several uses:

Allergy treatment – it relieves symptoms such as itching, hives (urticaria), and skin rashes caused by conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and allergic reactions

Anxiety and tension – it has anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and sedative properties, helping to reduce nervousness and promote calmness without causing psychological dependence or addiction

Itching relief – it is effective in reducing itching associated with hives, eczema, dermatitis, and other skin conditions

Nausea and vomiting – it can be used as an antiemetic (anti-nausea) medication

Muscle relaxation – it has myorelaxant (muscle-relaxing) properties and can help with muscle tension

Bronchodilator effect – it helps relax the smooth muscles of the airways

Cognitive benefits – it may positively affect cognitive abilities, including memory and attention, in some individuals

Atarax is also used as a premedication before anesthesia and to help manage withdrawal symptoms from certain substances.

Dosage and Direction

The dosage of Atarax depends on the condition being treated:

Condition Typical Daily Dose General practice (allergies, itching, anxiety) 25–100 mg per day, divided into several intakes Psychiatry (more severe anxiety or tension) Daily dose may be up to three times higher (up to 300 mg per day) Elderly patients Lower doses are usually recommended Patients with kidney or liver failure Dose reduction is needed The usual duration of treatment is four weeks, but this can vary depending on your condition and your doctor’s recommendations.

Do not use this medication unless it has been prescribed by your doctor. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Precautions

If side effects such as drowsiness and weakness do not disappear after several days of treatment, the dosage of hydroxyzine should be reduced

Avoid simultaneous intake with MAO inhibitors (a class of antidepressants), as this combination can cause serious interactions

Use with caution in patients:

With arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) or those taking anti-arrhythmic medications

Predisposed to convulsions (seizures)

With narrow-angle glaucoma

With prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate)

With hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

Avoid drinking alcohol during treatment with hydroxyzine, as alcohol increases drowsiness and other side effects

Drivers and employees whose duties require high concentration of attention should take the medication carefully, especially when starting treatment, until they know how it affects them

Contraindications

Atarax is contraindicated—meaning you should not take it—in the following situations:

Hypersensitivity (allergy) to hydroxyzine, cetirizine, aminophylline, or ethylenediamine

Porphyria – a rare blood disorder affecting the nervous system and skin

Pregnancy – especially during the first trimester

During labor and delivery – may affect the baby

Breastfeeding – hydroxyzine passes into breast milk

Possible Side Effects

Emergency medical help is required if any signs of a serious allergic reaction occur:

Hives

Difficulty breathing

Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

If these occur, stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention.

Other side effects may include:

Sedation (drowsiness)

Tiredness or fatigue

Sleepiness

Dizziness

Disturbed coordination

Dry mouth and thickening of oral and other respiratory secretions

Stomach distress

Confusion

Nervousness or irritability

Blurred or double vision

Tremor (shaking)

Loss of appetite

Nausea

If these side effects become bothersome or persistent, contact your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Hydroxyzine can interact with several medications:

Alcohol – hydroxyzine strengthens the sedating effect of alcohol on the central nervous system

Other sedating drugs – including:

Benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications such as Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax)

Narcotic pain medications (such as Percocet, Vicodin, Dilaudid)

Other medications that cause drowsiness (sleeping pills, certain antidepressants, muscle relaxants)

Medications with anticholinergic properties – hydroxyzine can intensify their drying effects (such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision)

If you are taking MAO inhibitors (a class of antidepressants), do not take hydroxyzine without your doctor’s approval.

Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements.

Missed Dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If you miss a dose and it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take extra to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

Symptoms of hydroxyzine overdose may include:

Hypersedation (extreme drowsiness)

Tremor

Convulsions (seizures)

Spasms

Hallucinations

Delirium

Confusion

Hypotension (low blood pressure)

Nausea and vomiting

Immediate medical attention is needed if an overdose is suspected. General treatment includes:

Inducing vomiting (if spontaneous vomiting has not occurred)

Gastric lavage (stomach pumping)

Monitoring of vital body functions

Storage

Store at room temperature between 15–25°C (59–77°F), away from light and moisture

Keep out of reach of children and pets

Do not use after the expiration date

For prepared suspension (liquid form): store in a refrigerator for up to 14 days, but do not freeze. Discard after 14 days

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We know that whether you’re dealing with allergies, anxiety, or skin conditions that cause persistent itching, having reliable access to your medication makes all the difference—so we’ve made our service straightforward, dependable, and built with your convenience in mind. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your Atarax can be with you by the next day, ready to help you find relief and get back to feeling calm and comfortable.