Common uses

Hydroxyzine is used for the short-term treatment of nervousness and tension that may occur with certain mental/mood disorders (e.g., anxiety, dementia). It is also used to treat itching from allergies and other causes (e.g., reactions to certain drugs). It may also be used to help you feel calmer before/after surgery, or to help certain narcotic pain relievers (e.g., meperidine) work better.
Hydroxyzine belongs to a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Its other effects (e.g., calming, pain relief) may work by affecting other natural substances (e.g., acetylcholine, serotonin) or by acting directly on certain parts of the brain.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to prevent/treat motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting related to certain conditions (e.g., traveling, after surgery).

Before using

Some medical conditions may interact with Atarax. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have asthma, glaucoma, difficulty urinating, urinary or intestinal blockage, a prostate disease, or a blood disease
• if you drink alcoholic beverages

Directions

Take this medication by mouth as needed, usually three or four times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking the syrup, measure the dose carefully using a special medication spoon or a kitchen measuring spoon.
Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy. In children, dosage may also be based on body weight. Take this medication as directed. Do not take more medication or take it more often than prescribed.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Cautions

Do NOT use Atarax if:
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Atarax
• you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB)
• you are in your first 3 months of pregnancy
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Possible side effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on sugarless hard candy or ice chips, chew sugarless gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., worsening anxiety, confusion, hallucinations), shaking (tremor), decreased/painful urination, vision changes.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: pounding/irregular heartbeat, seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

If you take too much

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms may include unusual drowsiness and dizziness.

Additional information

PREGNANCY: A limited number of studies of hydroxyzine in pregnant women suggests that there may be a relationship between its use in the first trimester of pregnancy and congenital abnormalities in the fetus. Therefore, hydroxyzine should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if hydroxyzine is excreted into breast milk. In general, antihistamines are not recommended for use during breastfeeding because they can cause stimulation or seizures in newborns.

Drug interactions

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Atarax . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
• Sodium oxybate (GHB) because side effects such as an increase in sleep duration and slowed breathing may occur
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Atarax may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.