Atarax (Hydroxyzine)

Brand name: Atarax
Generic name: Hydroxyzine
Used for: Treat itching caused by allergies and as a pre-surgery medication
Availability: Brand Atarax (Erfa) 5mg/ml/473ml syrup, Brand Atarax tablet (Exemed Pharma), generic Atarax capsule 10mg, 25mg, 50mg

How Hydroxyzine Works

Hydroxyzine is used in adults as a pre-surgery medication (such as in preparation for a dental procedure); in the treatment of itching with rash or eczema that is caused by an allergic reaction; in the treatment of nausea and vomiting (such as from chemotherapy or after surgery). Hydroxyzine is also used to help in managing anxiety. Hydroxyzine works by blocking a substance called histamine. Your body produces this when you have an allergic reaction. It affects how certain chemicals work in your brain, such as serotonin. Hydroxyzine should be used at the lowest effective dose. The treatment period should be as short as possible. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider has told you to. Do not take more than the maximum daily dose

Generic Atarax vs Brand Atarax

Brand and generic Atarax are available with a doctor’s prescription. It is entirely your choice whether you want a brand or generic. Brand Atarax and generic Atarax are identical in dose, strength, safety, efficacy and its intended use. The biggest difference is that the generic is not manufactured inside an Erfa or Exemed Pharma (brand) facility. Rest assured that Blueskydrugs.com only provides you with highest quality generic drugs from reputable generic manufacturers. If you have any concerns, feel free to contact us.

Hydroxyzine Possible side effects

Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience side effects and they are severe and bothersome. Most of the side effect are manageable and may go away on their own.
• Constipation;
• Drowsiness;
• Dry mouth;
• Flushing;
• Itching;
• Rash

Hydroxyzine Guidelines

Do not use Hydroxyzine if you are allergic to hydroxyzine hydrochloride; cetirizine; other piperazine derivatives; aminophylline; ethylenediamine; have had an ECG (electrocardiogram) that showed that you have a heart rhythm problem called “QT interval prolongation.”; have or had heart disease; have or had a heart rate that is very slow; have a low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood; have asthma and have had an allergic reaction to another antihistamine in the past; have porphyria (problem with proteins in the blood); are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Hydroxyzine about any health conditions you may have, including if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis; have liver disease or liver failure; have glaucoma or an increase in pressure of the eye; have digestive system or stomach problems; have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder); have dementia; have seizure disorders including epilepsy; have breathing problems; have trouble emptying your bladder; have hyperthyroidism; have high blood pressure (hypertension); have an ulcer in your stomach; are breast-feeding. Hydroxyzine may be linked with an increase in the risk of heart rhythm disorder (life-threatening). Therefore, tell your doctor if you have any heart problems. While taking Hydroxyzine, seek immediate medical attention if you have any symptoms of a possible heart rhythm problem, such as dizziness, palpitations, fainting, and seizures. Before doings tasks that require special attention such as driving, wait until you know how you respond to Hydroxyzine.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines. The following may interact with Hydroxyzine:
• Alcohol. You should not drink alcohol while you are taking Hydroxyzine. It may increase the sedative effects of the alcohol;
• Grapefruit, grapefruit juice and products that contain grapefruit. It may increase the levels of Hydroxyzine in your blood;
• Medications that can increase the levels of Hydroxyzine such as drugs used in the treatment of HIV (protease inhibitors), fungal infections, bacterial infections;
• Medications that can affect the rhythm of your heart. These include some drugs used in the treatment of heart rhythm problems, schizophrenia, depression, fungal infections, bacterial infections, cancer, pain, malaria, nausea and vomiting, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), pneumonia;
• Medications that can cause low levels of electrolytes in your blood such as drugs used to relieve constipation (laxatives and enemas), high dose corticosteroids, drugs used to help your body get rid of water (diuretics).