Atarax

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > A



How does it work?

Hydroxyzine belongs to a group of medicines called sedating antihistamines Hydroxyzine's main use is to help in the treatment of anxiety. The way in which hydroxyzine works in this condition is not fully known. It is thought to decrease the activity of certain areas in the brain and thereby relieve anxiety. Hydroxyzine is also used to relieve symptoms of certain allergic reactions. Histamine is a chemical produced by the body. It is stored in cells (mast cells) in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (an allergen e.g. flower pollen), the mast cells release their stores of histamine. Histamine may then bind to receptors (H-1 receptors) in many areas of the body causing an increase in blood flow to the area of the allergy and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response. This stimulates the symptoms of an allergic reaction such as inflammation of the skin, airways or tissues, rashes, itching of the skin, eyes or nose, nasal congestion or narrowing of the airways. Hydroxyzine acts by blocking the binding of histamine to receptors in the body and so preventing or relieving the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction. Histamine may be released from and act in a small (localised) area of the body e.g the nose. Alternatively, histamine can result in a serious or complete body reaction e.g. anaphylactic reaction. Hydroxyzine is only useful for the prevention or relief of localised or less serious allergies such as an itchy rash (rather than very serious allergic reactions). Hydroxyzine is called a sedating anti-histamine as it enters the brain in significant quantities and is therefore more likely to cause drowsiness than the newer group of non-sedating anti-histamines.

What is it used for?

- Anxiety
- Itching (pruritis) due to allergy (atopic) or the nerves supplying the skin (cholinergic)

Warning!

- This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.
- The syrup form of this medicine contains sugar, therefore should be used with caution by people who have diabetes mellitus.

Use with caution in

- Decreased kidney function
- Diabetes mellitus (note: this only applies to the use of the syrup / elixir form of this medicine)
- Elderly people
- People having kidney dialysis

Not to be used in

- Early pregnancy
- Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- The safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for further advice.

Label warnings

- This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use © Copyright 1998 - 2009 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved