How to Take Atarax:
Atarax requires a doctor's prescription in many countries although in some countries it is allowed to be sold over-the-counter.
Atarax may be given either orally as hydroxyzine hydrochloride or hydroxyzine embonate or via intramuscular injection as hydroxyzine hydrochloride. When administered orally, Atarax is quickly absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract. The effect is notable in as little as 30 minutes.
The dose prescribed for you will be determined by your physician according to your medical condition, age and how you react to the medication. Children may be prescribed a dose per their body weight.
Take Atarax exactly as prescribed by your physician. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. Do not take 2 doses at once. If it is near the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Tell your doctor promptly if the medication does not improve your condition or your condition becomes worse.
Contraindications and Precautions:
Before taking Atarax tell your doctor if you have any allergies or if you are allergic to cetirizine. Tell your physician your full medical history.
Let your doctor know if you have kidney disease, are on dialysis or if you have trouble passing water, for example you have an enlarged prostate.
Fetal abnormalities may occur if Atarax is given in large amounts during the onset of pregnancy. Tell your physician immediately if you are pregnant or you become pregnant while using this medication. It is unknown whether the medication passes into breast milk. It is not recommended to use this medication while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor.
In young children excitability rather than drowsiness may occur because they may be more sensitive to the medication. Also, the elderly may be more sensitive to the medication. Use caution when using this drug with children and the elderly.
Use caution if you are diabetic as the liquid form of the medication may contain sugar or alcohol. Consult your physician if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence or liver disease to determine if this is a safe product for you to use.
Other contraindications include giving Atarax with depressants and other compounds which affect the central nervous system, as well as alcohol. If administered in small doses with the other substances mentioned, then patients should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or any other practice requiring full mental alertness until you know how you react to Atarax.
