Atarax
Hydroxyzine tablets for generalised anxiety and itching. It is a sedating antihistamine, which is why it is sometimes used for short-term anxiety relief.
- Category
- Allergy Relief
- Active ingredient
- Hydroxyzine
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet
- Strengths
- 10mg · 25mg
Atarax is the reference name. You receive a generic with the same active ingredient and strength.
No prescription needed: we place your order for Atarax on your behalf.
- Conditions
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder · Pruritus · Preoperative Sedation
- Alternative names
- hydroxyzine
- Therapeutic class
- Piperazine Antihistamine
- Pharmacological class
- First-Generation Antihistamine
- Known off-label uses
- insomnia
- Contraindications
- prolonged QT interval; hypersensitivity to hydroxyzine
- Minor side effects
- drowsiness; dry mouth; fatigue
- Moderate side effects
- headache; blurred vision; urinary retention
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Originator
- Pfizer
- Onset Time
- 15–30 minutes
- Duration
- 4–6 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- Alcohol; QT-prolonging drugs; CNS Depressants
- Age restrictions
- Approved for paediatric and adult populations.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: Contraindicated in early pregnancy. Breastfeeding: Avoid.
Serious side effects
QT prolongation, requires immediate medical attention; torsades de pointes, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Hydroxyzine tablets for generalised anxiety and itching. It is a sedating antihistamine, which is why it is sometimes used for short-term anxiety relief.
Mechanism of action
Antagonises peripheral H1 and central nervous system receptors, leading to antiallergic, sedative, and antiemetic responses.
Is the Atarax sold here the original brand?
No. Atarax is the original brand, made by Pfizer, and Direct Meds uses the name to identify the medicine: you receive a generic with the same active ingredient (hydroxyzine) at the strength you choose. The generic brand and manufacturer depend on available stock.
How much does Atarax cost in South Africa?
It depends on the strength and pack. Atarax comes in 10mg and 25mg strengths, in packs of 90 to 360 tablets, and the price of every option is shown above in rand, converted from US dollars. Larger packs cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →What is Atarax used for?
Atarax contains hydroxyzine, used for generalised anxiety disorder, itching (pruritus) and preoperative sedation.
How long does Atarax take to work?
Hydroxyzine usually starts to work within 15 to 30 minutes, and its effect lasts about 4 to 6 hours. How quickly it works can differ from one person to another.
What side effects can Atarax cause?
The common side effects of hydroxyzine are drowsiness, dry mouth and fatigue. Less common ones include headache, blurred vision and urinary retention. Serious but less common side effects include QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, which need urgent medical attention.
Can I drink alcohol with Atarax?
Alcohol can interact with hydroxyzine, so check with a doctor or pharmacist before you drink while taking Atarax.
Which medicines interact with Atarax?
Hydroxyzine can interact with QT-prolonging drugs and CNS depressants. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take before you start taking Atarax.
Can I buy Atarax over the counter in South Africa?
Online, yes: Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order Atarax. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I buy Atarax online in South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →What you will receive
Atarax names the medicine you are looking for. What ships is a generic version of it.
- A generic containing Hydroxyzine at the strength you pick.
- Which generic brand and maker ships depends on stock and destination.
- Check the active ingredient, strength, form, pack, seal, batch and expiry when it arrives.