Generic Atarax

Common use

Atarax has a sedative and anxiolitic effect. It is an antihistamine with anticholinergic and sedative properties used to treat allergy. It positively affects cognitive abilities, improves memory and attention. The medication does not cause psychological dependence and addiction. It relaxes smooth muscles, has a bronchodilator and analgetic effect as well as moderately inhibits gastric secretion, it may be used as antiemetic and myorelaxant. Hydroxyzine reduces itching from hives, eczema, dermatitis, etc. After ingestion Hydroxyzine is converted to its active form named cetirizine (Zyrtec). Both hydroxyzine and cetirizine act as antihistamines.



Dosage and direction

A whole daily dosage of 25-100 mg for adults should be divided into several intakes in general practice, in psychiatry daily dose maybe tripled. Usual duration of treatment is four weeks. Volume of the dosage should be diminished for aged persons and also in cases of kidney or liver failure. Do not use this drug unless it was prescribed by your doctor.



Precautions

If such side effects like drowsiness and weakness do not disappear after several days of treatment dosage of Hydroxyzine should be reduced. Avoid simultaneous intake with MAO inhibitors. It is cautiously prescribed for patients subjected to arrhythmia or taking anti-arrhythmic medications as well for patients predisposed to convulsions, sick with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, hyperthyroidism. Avoid drinking alcohol during period of treatment with Hydroxyzine. Drivers and employers whose duties demand high concentration of attention should take the medication carefully in the process of their work.



Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, including one to cetirizine, aminophylline or ethylenediamine; porphyria; porphiria, pregnancy, during labor and delivery, breast-feeding.



Possible side effect

Emergency medical help is required if any of these signs of an allergy are found: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. The medication intake should interrupted. Other side effects may include: sedation, tiredness, sleepiness, dizziness, disturbed coordination, drying and thickening of oral and other respiratory secretions, and stomach distress, confusion, nervousness, irritability, blurred vision, double vision, tremor, loss of appetite, nausea.



Drug interaction

Hydroxyzine strengthens the sedating effect on central nervous system of alcohol and other drugs that can cause sedation such as the benzodiazepine class of anti-anxiety drugs (Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax) or drugs which belong to narcotic class of pain medications (Percocet, Vicodin, Dilaudid) and others. Hydroxyzine can also intensify the drying effects of other medications with anticholinergic properties so the dose of Hydorxyzine should be reduced.



Missed dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.



Overdose

Hypersedation, tremor, convulsions, spasms, hallucinations, delirium, confusion, hypotension, nausea, vomit. General treatment includes induction of vomit (in absence of spontaneous one), gastric lavage, monitoring of monitoring of vital body functions. Immediate medical attention is needed.





Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term. Keep prepared suspension in a refrigerator during 14 days but do not freeze it, through away after the term.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)