Drug Uses

Atarax is used for treating anxiety, for sedation before and after general anesthesia, and to treat itching due to certain allergic conditions, including hives and contact dermatitis (e.g., poison ivy). It also may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Atarax as directed by your doctor.

Take Atarax by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
Swallow Atarax whole. Do not crush or chew before swallowing.
Continue to take Atarax even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Taking Atarax at the same time each day will help you to remember to take it.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Atarax.
Drug Class and Mechanism

Atarax is an antihistamine. It works by affecting the brain to reduce anxiety. It also has other activities, including opening breathing tubes, relieving pain or allergy symptoms, and preventing or treating nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Atarax, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Atarax between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Atarax out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Safety Information

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Atarax if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Atarax;
you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB);
you are in your first 3 months of pregnancy.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Atarax . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have asthma, glaucoma, difficulty urinating, urinary or intestinal blockage, a prostate disease, or a blood disease
if you drink alcoholic beverages


Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Atarax . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Sodium oxybate (GHB) because side effects such as an increase in sleep duration and slowed breathing may occur