Hydroxyzine: description, use and features of the drug
Hydroxyzine is a pharmacological agent belonging to the group of tranquilizers. The drug is produced in Poland by Polfa and Rzeszowskie Zaklady Farmaceutyczne SA, and is available in 10 mg and 25 mg tablet dosage forms. The international name of the drug is hydroxyzine, and it is also known under the synonym Atarax.
Hydroxyzine is used to relieve anxiety, psychomotor agitation, internal tension, irritability in neurological, mental and somatic diseases, as well as for symptomatic treatment of itching. The drug can also be used to relieve alcohol withdrawal syndrome and as part of combination therapy in the premedication and postoperative period.
However, the drug has a number of contraindications and restrictions for use that must be taken into account when using it. These include hypersensitivity to hydroxyzine, cetirizine, aminophylline or ethylenediamine, porphyria, pregnancy, lactation, as well as glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, difficulty urinating, constipation, myasthenia gravis, dementia, renal and/or liver failure.
When using hydroxyzine, undesirable side effects may occur, such as drowsiness, weakness, headache, dizziness, increased sweating, tachycardia, nausea, allergic reactions, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, impaired eye accommodation.
It is also necessary to consider the interaction of hydroxyzine with other drugs. Hydroxyzine enhances the inhibitory effect on the central nervous system of narcotic analgesics, barbiturates, tranquilizers, hypnotics, and alcohol. It prevents the development of the pressor effect of epinephrine, the anticonvulsant activity of phenytoin, the action of betahistine and cholinesterase blockers, and also reduces the gastrointestinal side effects of theophylline and beta2-adrenergic agonists. In this case, co-administration with MAO inhibitors should be avoided.
In case of hydroxyzine overdose, symptoms such as hypersedation, tremors, convulsions, hallucinations, confusion, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting and coma may occur. If such symptoms occur, you should immediately seek medical help.
Therefore, before starting to use hydroxyzine, you should consult your doctor and strictly follow the recommendations on the dosage and duration of taking the drug. You should also avoid driving or performing other activities that require increased concentration and quick reactions while taking hydroxyzine.