Generic Atarax (Hydroxyzine)

Introduction

Atarax is a prescription medication whose active ingredient is hydroxy-zine, an antihistamine with potent anxiolytic and sedative properties. It is supplied in oral tablet form in strengths of 10 mg and 25 mg. Hydroxyzine belongs to the first-generation antihistamine class and is approved in many countries for the short-term relief of anxiety, the treatment of generalized pruritus due to allergic skin conditions, and pre-medication before and after general anesthesia. In clinical practice it is also used to manage nausea, vomiting, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, although these uses are not formally approved by regulatory agencies.

What is Atarax?

Atarax is a brand-name product that contains the generic compound hydroxyzine hydrochloride Hydroxyzine was first synthesized in the s and later developed by Pfizer as an oral antihistamine. In the United States and several other markets the same active molecule is sold under the brand name Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate). Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option for patients who need an antihistamine with anxiolytic and anti-itch effects.

How Atarax Works

Hydroxyzine blocks histamine H₁ receptors in peripheral tissues, reducing the skin-itching response that occurs in allergic reactions. In the central nervous system it penetrates the blood-brain barrier and antagonises H₁ receptors in the cortex and brainstem, producing sedation and a modest reduction in anxiety. The drug also exhibits weak antagonism of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and moderate inhibition of serotonin (5-HT₂) receptors, which may contribute to its anti-nausea and anti-psychotic properties.

• Onset of action: Clinical effects are usually evident within 15-30 minutes after oral intake.
• Duration: Therapeutic benefit lasts 4-6 hours, allowing flexible dosing schedules for acute symptoms.
• Metabolism & clearance: Hydroxyzine is metabolised in the liver by CYP3A4 to cetirizine, an active metabolite with a longer half-life. The parent drug has an elimination half-life of roughly 20 hours in healthy adults.

Conditions Treated with Atarax

Each of these indications is supported by randomized controlled trials demonstrating statistically significant symptom relief compared with placebo.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Atarax

• Alcohol withdrawal syndrome - Small clinical series have reported that hydroxyzine can lessen tremor and agitation during early detoxification. The evidence is limited to open-label studies; formal approval is lacking.
• Adjunctive therapy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) - Some clinicians prescribe hydroxyzine when patients cannot tolerate first-line agents such as SSRIs. Meta-analyses suggest modest benefit, but safety data for long-term use are insufficient for regulatory endorsement.
• Management of chronic urticaria refractory to second-generation antihistamines - Hydroxyzine’s stronger sedative effect may improve sleep in patients with persistent itching, though it is not a guideline-recommended step.

All off-label applications should be undertaken only under direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. The efficacy and safety of these uses have not been validated by the FDA, EMA, or comparable agencies.

Is Atarax the Right Medication for You?

Atarax is most appropriate for adult patients who require:

• Rapid, short-term relief of situational anxiety (e.g., before a medical procedure).
• Effective control of itching caused by allergic dermatitis, hives, or contact urticaria.
• A sedating antihistamine when second-generation agents (cetirizine, loratadine) are insufficient.

Contraindications include:

• Known hypersensitivity to hydroxyzine, p-acetamol, or any excipients in the tablet.
• Severe hepatic impairment (hydroxyzine is liver-metabolised).
• Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (risk of hypertensive crisis).

Caution is advised in the elderly, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and patients with glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, or a history of QT prolongation.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Drowsiness or somnolence
• Dry mouth, xerostomia
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Blurred vision

Rare

• Paradoxical excitement or agitation (especially in children)
• Acute urinary retention
• Conjunctival irritation

Serious

• Severe hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema)
• Cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes in patients with pre-existing QT prolongation
• Hepatotoxicity (elevated transaminases)

Drug-Drug Interactions

• CNS depressants (opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol) → additive sedation, increased risk of respiratory depression.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, erythromycin) → higher hydroxyzine plasma concentrations, enhancing side-effects.
• CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine) → reduced efficacy.

Drug-Food Interactions

• Alcohol markedly potentiates sedative effects; patients should avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Atarax.
• Grapefruit juice may increase hydroxyzine levels by inhibiting CYP3A4, though clinical significance is modest.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard adult dosing (tablet form) - exact regimen should be individualized by a prescriber:

Missed dose: If a scheduled dose is forgotten and the next dose is more than 4 hours away, take the missed tablet at the next scheduled time. Do not double-dose to compensate.

Overdose: Symptoms may include profound drowsiness, confusion, tachycardia, and seizures. Immediate medical evaluation is required. Activated charcoal may be considered if presentation occurs within one hour of ingestion. Supportive care includes airway protection, cardiac monitoring, and symptomatic treatment.

Practical precautions:

• Take tablets with a full glass of water. Food does not significantly affect absorption, but a light snack may reduce stomach upset.
• Avoid operating heavy machinery or driving until you know how Atarax affects you.
• Alcohol consumption should be avoided due to synergistic sedation.

FAQ

• What should I do if I travel internationally with Atarax?

  • Carry the medication in its original labeled container, along with a copy of the prescription or a physician’s letter. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid temperature extremes and loss.

• Can Atarax be stored in a humid climate?

  • Tablets should be stored at 20-25 °C (68-77 °F) in a dry place, protected from excess moisture and direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to high humidity can degrade the tablet coating.

• What inactive ingredients are present in the 10 mg tablet?

  • The 10 mg tablet contains lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and a small amount of coloring dye (FD&C Blue No. 1). Patients with lactose intolerance should discuss alternatives with their clinician.

• Are there regional differences in hydroxyzine formulations?

  • Yes. In the United States, the hydrochloride salt is most common (Atarax), whereas many European countries market the pamoate salt (Vistaril). Pharmacokinetic profiles are comparable, but tablet size and excipient composition may vary.

• Is hydroxyzine detectable on standard drug-screening tests?

  • Hydroxyzine is not typically screened for in routine occupational or legal drug tests, as it is not a controlled substance. However, specialized assays can identify it specifically requested.

• Can Atarax be used during pregnancy?

  • Hydroxyzine is classified as Pregnancy Category C in the United States, indicating that risk cannot be ruled out. It should be prescribed during pregnancy only when the potential benefit justifies the potential fetal risk.

• What is the mechanism behind hydroxyzine-induced dry mouth?

  • Anticholinergic activity at muscarinic receptors reduces salivary gland secretion, leading to xerostomia. Chewing sugar-free gum or sipping water can alleviate discomfort.

• Does hydroxyzine interact with over-the-counter sleep aids?

  • Many OTC sleep aids contain diphenhydramine, another first-generation antihistamine. use can cause excessive sedation and impaired cognition; concurrent administration is generally discouraged.

• How long does it take for hydroxyzine to be cleared after stopping the medication?

  • The parent drug’s half-life is about 20 hours, while its metabolite cetirizine has a half-life of 8-10 hours. Most patients will have negligible plasma levels within 3-4 days after discontinuation.

• Can hydroxyzine cause heart rhythm changes?

  • Hydroxyzine can prolong the QT interval, especially at high doses or in patients with existing cardiac conduction abnormalities. Baseline ECG monitoring is recommended for those with known risk factors.

Glossary

Antihistamine

A drug that blocks histamine H₁ receptors, preventing histamine-mediated symptoms such as itching, swelling, and vasodilation.

CYP3A4

An enzyme in the liver that metabolises many medications, including hydroxyzine. Inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4 can alter drug levels.

QT prolongation

An extension of the heart’s electrical repolarisation period on an electrocardiogram, which can increase the risk of dangerous arrhythmias.

Buying Atarax from Our Online Pharmacy

Patients who encounter cost barriers, limited local availability, or privacy concerns can obtain Atarax through our online pharmacy. We source the generic hydroxyzine tablets from licensed, internationally recognised distributors, ensuring that each batch meets stringent quality-control standards.

• Affordability: Our pricing is positioned close to the manufacturer’s cost, providing a significant saving compared with many retail pharmacies.
• Verified quality: All products are inspected by certified pharmacists and are accompanied by batch-specific certificates of analysis.
• Secure delivery: Orders are packaged discreetly and shipped via a reliable courier network, with express options delivering within 7 days and standard airmail typically arriving in 2-3 weeks.
• Privacy-focused service: As a pharmacy-broker, we handle all transactions confidentially, protecting personal information and offering a discreet billing process.

By selecting our online pharmacy, patients gain a trustworthy route to access Atarax when conventional pharmacy channels are inaccessible, while preserving confidentiality and cost-effectiveness.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Atarax is intended for general educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Treatment choices, including any off-label application, must be made under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Readers are presumed to be competent adults capable of making informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy provides access to Atarax for individuals who may experience limited availability through traditional pharmacies or who seek cost-effective generic alternatives. Always discuss with your clinician before initiating, modifying, or stopping any medication.