Atarax
® (
hydroxyzine hydrochloride) is an oral medication used for treating various conditions, including
anxiety and itching. It can also be used as a sedative before or after general anesthesia.
This medicine comes in tablet or syrup form, and is available in several different strengths. Atarax is taken orally two to four times daily. Your healthcare provider will recommend an appropriate dosage based on the condition being treated, your age and weight (for children), other medications you are taking, and other factors.
Atarax belongs to a group of drugs commonly known as first-generation (sedating) antihistamines. It works for itching by blocking histamine receptors. Its anti-anxiety activity is probably due to effects in certain parts of the brain.
The drug also can cause relaxation of skeletal muscles. In addition, Atarax has anticholinergic activity, which is probably why it helps to alleviate nausea.
(Click Atarax to learn more about the effects of this medicine, for more suggestions on when and how to take it, and to find out what side effects may occur during the treatment process.)
