Atarax Tablet 10mg Tablets

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a natural substance that causes itching in allergic reactions, and it also calms activity in the brain.

It is used to:

• relieve itching caused by allergic skin conditions
• ease anxiety and tension
• help people relax before or after an operation

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. Do not take more, or take it more often, than prescribed.

• It comes as tablets, capsules or syrup. If using syrup, measure it with the spoon or syringe provided.
• You can keep eating your normal diet unless you are told otherwise.
• If you take it regularly and miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next one, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

Common side effects include:

• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• dizziness or headache
• confusion, especially in older people

Tell your doctor if these are severe or do not go away.

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• shaking or trembling you cannot control
• a fit (seizure)
• a skin rash with blisters, pus-filled spots, redness, swelling or fever

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• are allergic to hydroxyzine or any other medicine
• or anyone in your family has a heart rhythm problem called a long QT interval, or you have any other heart rhythm problem or heart disease
• are aged 65 or over, as other medicines are usually safer
• take any other medicines, vitamins or herbal products, especially ones that cause drowsiness or affect heart rhythm

Keep it in its original closed container at room temperature, away from light, heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: it should not be taken during pregnancy, and you should not breastfeed while taking it. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.

Driving: it can make you sleepy. Do not drive or use machines until you know how it affects you.

Alcohol: avoid alcohol, as it can make side effects worse.