Atarax - Hydroxyzine

What is it?

Composition

Atarax contains hydroxyzine hydrochloride as an active ingredient, which is responsible for its antihistamine and sedative properties. The drug is available in various forms, including tablets and syrup, which allows you to choose the optimal dosage and release form for different categories of patients.

Atarax also contains excipients that help stabilize the dosage form and improve its absorption. These components may vary depending on the release form, but usually include:

• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Silicon dioxide
• Magnesium stearate
• Povidone
• Starch

These excipients play an important role in ensuring the stability of the drug and its therapeutic effect.

How to use?

The use of Atarax depends on the condition to be treated, as well as the age and general health of the patient. The drug is usually taken orally in the form of tablets or syrup, with plenty of water. To achieve the best therapeutic effect, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and regimen.

Recommendations for the use of Atarax may look like this:

1. Adults and children over 12 years old are usually prescribed from 25 to 100 mg per day, divided into several doses depending on the severity of symptoms.
2. For children from 6 to 12 years old, the dosage is selected individually, usually it is from 12.5 to 50 mg per day.
3. To reduce anxiety or as a sedative before surgery, the dose may be increased, but this should be done under the supervision of a doctor.

It is important not to exceed the prescribed dose and not to use the drug longer than the recommended period to avoid the risk of side effects or addiction.

How does it work?

Atarax works by blocking histamine receptors in the body, which reduces the occurrence of allergic reactions such as itching, rash, and swelling. Hydroxyzine, the active ingredient in Atarax, has an antihistamine effect that helps reduce or prevent allergic symptoms. This makes it useful in the treatment of various allergic conditions, including chronic urticaria.

In addition, Atarax has a calming and anxiolytic effect. Hydroxyzine acts on the central nervous system, suppressing the activity of certain areas of the brain responsible for anxiety. This allows patients to relax, improves sleep quality, and reduces tension. These properties make Atarax useful not only for allergies, but also for short-term anxiety disorders and for preparing patients for surgical interventions.

Indications

Atarax is used to treat a number of conditions associated with both allergic reactions and the nervous system. The drug is indicated for use in the following cases:

• Allergic reactions, including itching, urticaria and skin rashes.
• Anxiety and psychosomatic disorders accompanied by nervousness and restlessness.
• Preparation for surgical interventions, where anxiety reduction and sedation are required.
• Preventive treatment after surgery to reduce the gag reflex and improve sleep quality.
• Chronic urticaria, accompanied by itching and skin rashes.

Atarax should be prescribed under the supervision of a physician, who will determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment depending on the individual characteristics of the patient and the nature of the disease.

Contraindications

Despite the effectiveness of Atarax in treating various conditions, there are certain contraindications in which its use may be dangerous or undesirable. The drug should not be used in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to hydroxyzine or any of the excipients of the drug.
• Severe renal or hepatic impairment, as this may lead to accumulation of the drug in the body and increased side effects.
• Pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, and breastfeeding, as hydroxyzine can penetrate the placenta and into breast milk.
• Progressive diseases of the nervous system, such as Parkinsonism, as Atarax may increase symptoms.
• History of prolongation of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram or other heart rhythm disturbances.

Before starting treatment with Atarax, it is necessary to consult a doctor, especially if the patient has chronic diseases or takes other medications that can interact with hydroxyzine.

Side effects

Side effects may occur with Atarax, although not everyone gets them. Most often, mild and temporary reactions are observed, but in some cases, more serious side effects are possible. The most common side effects include:

• Drowsiness and fatigue, which is associated with the sedative effect of the drug.
• Dizziness and loss of coordination, especially at the beginning of treatment.
• Dry mouth, which can be unpleasant, but usually goes away as the body adapts to the drug.
• Headaches that occur against the background of a decrease in blood pressure.
• Allergic reactions, such as skin rash or itching, in rare cases - anaphylaxis.

If serious side effects occur, such as severe dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or signs of an allergic reaction, you should immediately stop taking Atarax and consult a doctor. It is important to closely monitor your condition during treatment, especially in the first days of taking the drug.