Brand Name

Atarax {Pfizer}

Generic Name

hydroxyzine, pronounced hye DROX ee zeen

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Atarax?

Atarax is an antihistamine that works by blocking the natural substance called histamine inyour body, which is made when you experience allergies. Allergic reactions such as contactdermatitis can be alleviated with Atarax treatment. Atarax is also used to treat anxiety forshort term periods, to control nausea and vomiting, or to help you relax before or aftersurgery.

Atarax may also be used for conditions that are not described in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Atarax

Atarax is helpful as an antihistamine at reducing activity in your central nervous system toreduce allergic symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, or hives.

Atarax may be used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension, or it may be used together withother medications given with anesthesia. In addition, Atarax is effective at controlling nauseaand vomiting.

Atarax is in FDA pregnancy category D. You should not use Atarax without telling your doctorif you are pregnant as it could harm your unborn baby. We do not know whether Atarax passes intobreast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby, so you should not take Atarax if you arebreast-feeding a baby.

Older adults being treated with Atarax are likely to experience greater side effects of thismedication.

You should be aware that drinking alcohol may increase the effects of Atarax. You should notdrink while taking this medication.

Atarax may impair your thinking and reaction time. Be careful when driving or doing anythingthat requires you to be alert.

You should stop taking Atarax immediately and call your doctor if you experience confusion,seizures, tremors or restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, neck or jaw.

Before You Take Atarax

You should not use Atarax if you are allergic to hydroxyzine.

Tell your doctor of you have kidney disease, liver disease, a thyroid disorder, an enlargedprostate or problems with urination before taking Atarax.

You should let your doctor know if you have epilepsy or another seizure disorder, glaucoma,heart disease or high blood pressure.

Before starting treatment with Atarax tell your doctor if you suffer from asthma, emphysema,or another breathing problem.

If you have a stomach ulcer or a blockage in your stomach or intestines you should inform yourdoctor before taking Atarax.

Atarax Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• Albuterol
• Ambien (zolpidem)
• aspirin
• Ativan (lorazepam)
• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Klonopin (clonazepam)
• Lasix (furosemide)
• Lipitor (atorvastatin)
• Lyrica (pregabalin)
• Neurontin (gabapentin)
• Nexium (esomeprazole)
• prednisone
• Singulair (montelukast)
• Synthroid (levothyroxine)
• tramadol
• trazodone
• Vicodin (acetaminophen/hydrocodone)
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
• Xanax (alprazolam)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Atarax. You should tell your doctorabout all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements andherbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medicationwithout telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Atarax

You should take Atarax exactly as directed by your doctor. . Do not use Atarax in larger orsmaller amounts, or for shorter or longer than recommended. Follow the directions on yourprescription label exactly.

Take Atarax with a full glass of water.

If you are taking Atarax liquid be sure to use a special dose-measuring device foradministering your dose. Do not use a regular tablespoon. Your pharmacy can provide you with adose-measuring spoon or cup.

You should store Atarax at room temperature, and away from heat and moisture.

If you miss a dose of Atarax you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as youremember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dosein addition to your regular dose.

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Atarax Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Atarax and seekmedical help immediately:

• allergic reaction including breathing difficulties, hives and swelling of your face,lips, throat or tongue
• confusion
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck
• seizures
• tremors or uncontrolled shaking

Less serious Atarax side effects may include:

• blurry vision
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache.

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Atarax. Youshould contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Atarax Description and Dosing

Atarax is available as tablets and as a syrup. The dosages are as follows:

10 mg tablets, which are orange

25 mg tablets, which are green

50 mg tablets, which are yellow

100 mg tablets, which are red

Atarax Syrup is a colorless syrup with a peppermint flavor.

Dosages of Atarax will vary based on the condition for which you are being treated . Yourdoctor will tell you what dose of Atarax is right for you and your specific need. Do not alteror change the dose of Atarax you are taking without speaking to your doctor first.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with the Atarax you should seek emergency helpimmediately.

Ingredients in Atarax

The main ingredient in Atarax tablets and syrup is hydroxyzinehydrochloride. Tablets also contain acacia, carnauba wax, dibasic calcium phosphate,
gelatin, lactose, magnesium stearate, precipitated calcium carbonate, shellac, sucrose,
talc, white wax, alginic acid, Blue, Red 3 and polyethylene glycol. Inactive ingredients in thesyrup include menthol, peppermint oil, sodium benzoate, spearmint oil, sucrose andwater.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.