Atarax

What is it?

An antihistamine preparation containing hydroxyzine hydrochloride available as sugar-coated tablets of two strengths (10 and 25mg) coloured orange and green respectively and in the form of a syrup. ATARAX SYRUP contains 10mg hydroxyzine hydrochloride per 5ml.

Medical Uses

Anxiety (short-term treatment) and itching caused by allergy (chronic urticaria and dermatitis).

Dosage

Anxiety, adults only, 50-100mg 4 times each day. Itching, adults, 25mg taken at night increasing to 25mg 3-4 times a day if required. Children, 6 months to 6 years, 5-15mg daily increasing to 50mg in divided doses if required; 6 years and over, 15-25mg daily increasing to 50-100mg in divided doses if required.

Special Care

Patients with kidney disease. Patients must be warned that judgement and dexterity is impaired. Children should be given reduced doses for itching only.

Avoid Use

Pregnant women.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Central nervous system depressants, alcohol.

Known Side Effects

Drowsiness, anticholinergic effects, if high doses are taken there may be involuntary muscle movements.

Manufacturer

Pfizer.