Atarax Injection (hydroxyzine) is predominantly used to reduce the central nervous system's activity, making it effective at reducing anxiety and/or as a mild sedative. It is sometimes used to treat allergic reactions, some skin conditions, and prior to surgery, but in these scenarios it is nearly always administered by a healthcare worker in a medical setting.

Atarax is also available in tablet form, which have a much broader use. Atarax Injections are reserved for mild sedation and to alleviate anxiety or stress over the short term; usually just a few days or weeks. Use should not exceed 4 consecutive months without explicit doctor approval.

Some common uses for Atarax Injections include:

• To ease acute emotional anxiety, such as following the passing of a loved one
• To ease acute anxiety from withdrawal, such as from opioids or alcohol
• Certain other acute psychiatric emergencies
• Mild sedative prior to or following surgery
• Mild sedative prior to an anticipated event, such as the evening prior to surgery

There may be other uses for Atarax Injections not listed above, though, again, tablets are typically preferred for most conditions. Some examples that tablets may be used for include: Itching, skin rashes, nausea or vomiting, and allergic skin reactions.

Ampules of Atarax Injection fluid should be stored at room temperature; refrigeration is not necessary. Fluid should be shaken well prior to use. It should be discarded if it contains particulates or is cloudy or discolored.

Dosage & Administration

It is beyond the scope of this article to state exactly when Atarax Injection should be used; that is between a patient and doctor. Opinions as to the usefulness of this product also vary to some extent between countries.

The standard dosage amount for otherwise healthy adults ranges between 25 mg to 100 mg per dose, repeated every 4 to 6 hours if needed. Dosage strength does depend to some extent on the severity of the condition as well as which condition is being treated, but is mostly dependent on individual response to treatment. Ideally this will have been determined in a medical setting, but if not starting on the lower end and increasing if needed will also work. Patients and/or caretakers will quickly become familiar with an effective dosage amount.

Atarax Injections should be administered intramuscularly, that is, into a relatively large muscle. Preferred injection sites include the upper outer quadrant of the buttocks or the mid-lateral thigh. It should not be administered into veins, arteries, or subcutaneously. If unsure of where to inject Atarax Injection, seek advice from a doctor.

Precautions

Some patients are poor candidates for Atarax Injection, and may need modified dosing, greater supervision, or should not take it at all. Conditions of greatest concern include:

• History of allergic reaction to aminophylline, cetirizine, or hydroxyzine
• First or second trimesters of pregnancy
• History of histamine-related breathing difficulties
• History of irregular heartbeat
• Family history of sudden cardiac death
• History of low potassium or magnesium levels
• History of porphyria
• History of hepatic or renal impairment

If the above apply, it is imperative that a doctor be consulted prior to administering Atarax Injection. In some cases treatment may need to be delayed, or avoided altogether. There are alternate therapies available that may prove much safer for some individuals.

Potential Side Effects

Taken as directed, most patients do not experience serious side effects from Atarax Injection. Most commonly reported are:

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Flushing
• Constipation
• Dry nose, mouth, and/or throat

The above are not cause for concern unless they become severe enough to be disruptive.

Rarely some individuals will experience more alarming side effects, which do warrant medical attention:

• Difficulty coordinating
• Moderate to severe dizziness
• Confusion
• Difficult or painful urination
• Irregular, fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Changes in vision

Symptoms of too much medication include:

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Irritability
• Nervousness
• Difficulty speaking
• Excitement
• Tremors

If any of the latter two lists occur, the patient should be seen by a doctor; if they occur severely, emergency medical attention should be sought. No more Atarax Injection should be administered unless a doctor approves it.

Effects on unborn babies are unclear. In animal studies, high doses of Atarax Injection did produce birth defects, so use during pregnancy is inadvisable.