Atarax 25mg Tab 50 s-Potential Overview

• Brand Name: Atarax
• Generic Name: Hydroxyzine hydrochloride
• Active Ingredient(s): Hydroxyzine hydrochloride

For the General Public:

• Uses: This medicine is commonly used to treat anxiety, nausea, allergic reactions such as itching, and as a sedative before or after surgery. It works by blocking the effects of histamine and calming the central nervous system.
• Dosage: Take 1 tablet (25 mg) 3 to 4 times per day with or without food. Always follow the instructions on the packaging or as prescribed by your doctor.
• Possible Side Effects: Some common side effects may include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, or blurred vision. If you experience anything unusual, contact your healthcare provider.
• Common Side Effects: The common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.
• Serious (Less Common) Side Effects: Serious side effects may include confusion, difficulty breathing, seizures, and severe allergic reactions. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
• Important Information:
  • Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to hydroxyzine or have a history of certain conditions like severe liver disease or glaucoma.
  • If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before use.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose.
• Drug Interactions: Interactions with other medications include sedatives, alcohol, and other CNS depressants, which may increase drowsiness. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
• Interactions with Food: No significant food interactions. However, alcohol may enhance side effects like drowsiness.
• Regulatory Approval & Manufacturer: Atarax is manufactured by Pfizer, and is FDA-approved.
• Antidotes (If Over Dosage or Misused by Patients): There is no specific antidote. If overdose occurs, gastric lavage and symptomatic treatment should be applied.

For Pharmacists

• Medicine Name: Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Tablets
• Brand: Atarax
• Active Ingredient(s): Hydroxyzine hydrochloride
• Indications: Indicated for the management of anxiety, nausea, pruritus (itching) associated with allergic conditions, and as a sedative pre- and post-surgery.
• Pharmacodynamics:
  • Mechanism of Action: Hydroxyzine works by blocking histamine receptors (H1 receptors) and has sedative, anxiolytic, and antiemetic properties. It also exerts mild anticholinergic effects, contributing to its calming effect.
  • Pharmacological Effects: Relieves symptoms of anxiety, reduces itching, and induces sedation.
• Receptor Binding: Hydroxyzine binds to H1 histamine receptors and has a moderate sedative effect on the CNS.
• Pharmacokinetics:
  • Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration, peak plasma concentrations are reached in 2 hours.
  • Distribution: Widely distributed in tissues, with a moderate plasma protein binding of about 93%.
  • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver, primarily via CYP3A4. The major metabolite is cetirizine, which is pharmacologically active.
  • Elimination: Primarily excreted in urine, with a half-life of 20 to 25 hours.
  • Half-Life: Approximately 20 to 25 hours.
  • Bioavailability: Approximately 80-90% when taken orally.
  • Time to Peak Concentration: Approximately 2 hours.
  • Effect of Food: Food does not significantly affect the absorption of hydroxyzine.
• Dosage and Administration:
  • Adults: 25-100 mg/day divided into 3 to 4 doses.
  • Pediatric: 0.6 mg/kg body weight for children under 6 years.
  • Special Populations: No significant dosage adjustments are necessary for elderly patients or those with renal or hepatic impairment, but caution is advised.
• Contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to hydroxyzine or any of its components. Contraindicated in patients with a history of QT prolongation or severe liver impairment.
• Warnings and Precautions: Use with caution in patients with heart conditions, glaucoma, or gastrointestinal issues. Monitor for signs of excessive sedation or confusion.
• Drug-Drug Interactions for Pharmacist: Potential interactions with CNS depressants, including alcohol and benzodiazepines, may increase sedation.
• Drug-Food Interactions for Pharmacist: No significant food interactions. However, alcohol should be avoided as it may enhance CNS depressant effects.
• Adverse Reactions:
  • Common: Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness.
  • Serious: Severe allergic reactions, respiratory depression, seizures.
• Therapeutic Effects: Reduces symptoms of anxiety, nausea, and pruritus while also providing a calming, sedative effect for patients undergoing surgery.
• Storage: Store at room temperature (20-25°C) in a tightly closed container, away from light.
• Packaging: Available in tablet form (25mg), in bottles of 50 tablets.
• Clinical Considerations:
  • Pregnancy Category: Category C (Risk cannot be ruled out).
  • Lactation Category: Caution advised during breastfeeding.
  • Pediatric Category: Use with caution in children under 6 years.
  • Geriatric Category: Dosage adjustments may be necessary for elderly patients.
• Other Considerations: Ensure patients are aware of potential sedative effects.

Conclusion:

Atarax (Hydroxyzine hydrochloride) is an effective treatment for anxiety, allergic reactions, and pre- and post-surgical sedation. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and monitor for side effects such as drowsiness or confusion. Pharmacists should ensure proper counseling on potential drug interactions and the need for caution in special populations.