Atarax 10mg

Description

Atarax Tablets 10mg contain hydroxyzine hydrochloride, a first-generation antihistamine used in Pakistan to relieve itching from urticaria or dermatitis and to manage anxiety in adults. It crosses the blood-brain barrier to produce sedative and anxiolytic effects, helping with skin allergies or stress-related anxiety common in high-pressure urban settings like Lahore or Karachi. Produced by GlaxoSmithKline or similar brands, it’s available in strips of 25 tablets, priced around Rs. 100-150 per strip, prescription-only, and distributed through DRAP-registered pharmacies.

How It Functions

Hydroxyzine blocks histamine H1 receptors in the brain and periphery, reducing itching and producing sedation by its high affinity for histaminic receptors. Chemically, it’s 2-[2-[4-[(4-chlorophenyl)-phenylmethyl]piperazin-1-yl]ethoxy]ethanol dihydrochloride. It also has mild anticholinergic effects, contributing to its calming properties. Effects start within 15-30 minutes, peaking at 1-2 hours, lasting 4-6 hours.

Dosage Information

Adults: For anxiety, 50-100mg daily in divided doses (e.g., 10-25mg 2-4 times daily); for itching, 25mg at night, up to 100mg/day if needed. Children (over 6 months): 1-2mg/kg/day in divided doses for itching (e.g., 10mg 2-3 times daily for a 10kg child). Take orally with water, with or without food. Elderly start at half dose (e.g., 5-10mg). Adjust for kidney/liver issues; short-term use preferred. Consult physician for duration.

Side Effects

• Very Common (>1 in 10): Somnolence.
• Common (up to 1 in 10): Headache, dry mouth, fatigue, constipation, nausea.
• Rare: Dizziness, insomnia, attention issues, allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing. difficulty), convulsions.

Drug Interactions

Hydroxyzine may interact with:

• Class IA/III antiarrhythmics (e.g., quinidine, amiodarone): Increases QT prolongation risk.
• Antihistamines, antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol), antidepressants (e.g., citalopram): Enhances. sedation or heart rhythm issues.
• Antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, levofloxacin), antifungals (e.g., pentamidine): Risks arrhythmias.
• CNS depressants, alcohol: Potentiates sedation.
• Betahistine, cholinomimetics: Reduces efficacy.
• Phenytoin, cimetidine, CYP2D6 substrates: Alters metabolism.

Indications

Approved for:

• Relieving itching from urticaria (nettle rash) and dermatitis (eczema) in adults and children.
• Managing anxiety in adults.

When Not to Use

Avoid in:

• Hypersensitivity to hydroxyzine, cetirizine, piperazine derivatives, aminophylline, or ethylenediamine.
• History of severe allergic reactions to antihistamines.
• Porphyria (causes stomach pain, skin rashes, behavioral changes).
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Untreated asthma with prior antihistamine reactions.

Precautions

• Use cautiously in heart conditions (e.g., arrhythmias, electrolyte imbalances); monitor ECG for QT prolongation.
• Reduce dose in elderly due to slower metabolism and renal clearance.
• Avoid in seizure-prone patients; may lower seizure threshold.
• Monitor for drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery.
• Buy from DRAP-registered pharmacies; check holograms to avoid counterfeits.

Warnings

• Heart rhythm: Risk of QT prolongation; avoid in patients with low potassium/magnesium or heart disease.
• Seizures: May trigger convulsions in susceptible individuals; use alternative if history exists.
• Pheochromocytoma: May cause catecholamine release, worsening symptoms.
• Overdose: Symptoms like severe drowsiness or seizures require urgent care.
• Alcohol: Avoid to prevent excessive sedation or low blood pressure.

Additional Notes

• Pregnancy Category: Consult physician; contraindicated due to fetal risks.
• Breastfeeding: Avoid; passes into milk, may sedate infant.
• Availability: Common in urban and rural pharmacies; generics like Vistaril available.
• Stability: Stable at room temperature; discard expired tablets.
• Reporting: Log batch for side effects; report to DRAP for quality control.

Doctor Review

Dr. Amna Tariq, a psychiatrist in Islamabad, notes Atarax’s dual role in calming anxiety and relieving allergic itching, useful for stress-related rashes in Pakistan’s urban workforce. DRAP data supports its sedative efficacy, but Dr. Tariq advises heart monitoring and short-term use to avoid dependence or drowsiness issues.

Disclaimer

This is general product information, not a prescription or medical advice. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for personal guidance.