Atarax

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Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Atarax

Uses
This medication is used to relieve symptoms such as rash, hives, watery eyes, runny nose, itching, and sneezing due to allergies or the common cold. It is also used as a sleep aid (for insomnia); and can also treat motion sickness or anxiety.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.

Atarax

How To Use

May be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.
Sustained-release or long acting tablets and capsules must be swallowed whole.
Chewing or crushing them will destroy the long action and may increase side effects.
Shake suspensions well before taking.

Side Effects

May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite (less likely with cyproheptadine), stomach upset, vision changes, irritability, dry mouth and nose.
These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you develop breathing difficulties, heart pounding, irregular heartbeat, ringing in the ears or difficulty urinating while taking this medication.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of glaucoma (narrow angle), stomach ulcers, difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate), heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, lung problems or an overactive thyroid.
Change from a seated or lying position slowly to avoid dizziness.
Use caution in performing activities requiring alertness.
Limit alcohol intake to avoid excessive drowsiness.
Do not give long-acting antihistamines to a child younger than 12 years of age nor other dose forms of antihistamines to a child younger than 6 years of age without doctor approval.
This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication may be excreted into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, medication for depression or seizures, narcotic pain medications, and of any other medications for colds, hay fever or allergies.
Because this medication may affect allergy testing, you may have to stop using this medication for several days before the tests are performed.
Consult your doctor about this.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.