FDA Approves Pfizer's Atarax

Atarax is an antihistamine used to relieve the symptoms of common anxiety and tension and, in combination with other medications, to treat anxiety that results from physical illness.

It also relieves itching from allergic reactions and can be used as a sedative before and after general anesthesia. Antihistamines work by decreasing the effects of histamine, a chemical the body releases that narrows air passages in the lungs and contributes to inflammation. Antihistamines reduce itching and swelling and dry up secretions from the nose, eyes, and throat.

Hydroxyzine is used for the short-term treatment of nervousness and tension that may occur with certain mental/mood disorders (e.g., anxiety, dementia). It is also used to treat itching from allergies and other causes (e.g., reactions to certain drugs). It may also be used to help you feel calmer before/after surgery, or to help certain narcotic pain relievers (e.g., meperidine) work better.
Hydroxyzine belongs to a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Its other effects (e.g., calming, pain relief) may work by affecting other natural substances (e.g., acetylcholine, serotonin) or by acting directly on certain parts of the brain.

Atarax is generally used as an antihistamine to treat itches and irritations. It can be used for allergic conditions, for example, atopic or contact dermatoses. Antihistamines work by reducing the effects of histamine, a chemical the body releases that constricts the air passages in the lungs and causes inflammation throughout the body. Antihistamines can decrease itching and swelling and dry up secretions from the nose, eyes, and throat.

Atarax is also widely used for the treatment of anxiety and other mood disorders such as dementia. It can be prescribed when there is an onset of general anxiety disorder.

Atarax can be utilized as a form of non-barbiturate tranquilliser for pre-operative sedation and treatment of neurological disorders, as well as other states of anxiety. Physicians and patients often prefer Atarax to many depressants for insomnia and daytime anxiety because it is safer, clears out of the system more rapidly than other depressants and physical dependence does not result. It is an effective sedative, hypnotic, and tranquiliser, however, it does not share the abuse, addiction, and toxicity potential of other drugs used for similar ranges of therapeutic uses.