What is the use of Atarax (Hydroxyzine)?

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Last updated: April 9, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

Atarax (hydroxyzine) is a suitable option for anxiolytic use in children, with a recommended dosage and administration route that should be determined by authorized personnel. According to the most recent study 1, hydroxyzine is a sedative antihistamine approved for anxiolytic use in both Europe and the United States, with few contraindications in children. The study highlights the importance of authorized personnel, such as anesthetists or equally trained physicians, administering drugs for pain management, anxiolysis, sedation, and anesthesia.

Some key points to consider when using Atarax in children include:

  • The medication is available in tablets and syrup, making it a practical option for pediatric patients
  • Hydroxyzine has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and promoting sedation, with few side effects reported
  • The medication should be used with caution in children under 3 years, as its effectiveness may be limited in this age group
  • Other options, such as nitrous oxide and benzodiazepines, may also be considered, but their use should be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual child's needs and medical history.

In terms of dosage, the study does not provide specific guidelines, but it is generally recommended that children receive 2 mg/kg/day of hydroxyzine, divided into multiple doses 1. It is essential to note that the medication should only be administered by authorized personnel, and its use should be carefully monitored to minimize potential side effects.

Overall, hydroxyzine is a viable option for anxiolytic use in children, but its use should be carefully considered and monitored by qualified medical professionals. As noted in another study 2, antihistamines, including hydroxyzine, may be used to provide symptom relief for patients with mild-to-moderate pruritus, but their use should be based on individual patient needs and medical history.

From the FDA Drug Label

For symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis and as an adjunct in organic disease states in which anxiety is manifested. Useful in the management of pruritus due to allergic conditions such as chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses and in histamine-mediated pruritus As a sedative when used as a premedication and following general anesthesia, hydroxyzine may potentiate meperidine and barbiturates, so their use in pre-anesthetic adjunctive therapy should be modified on an individual basis. The main uses of Atarax (hydroxyzine) are for:

  • Anxiety and tension relief in psychoneurosis
  • Pruritus management due to allergic conditions
  • As a sedative for premedication and post general anesthesia 3

From the Research

Atarax (Hydroxyzine) Overview

  • Atarax, also known as hydroxyzine, is an anti-histamine medication used to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) 4, 5.
  • Hydroxyzine has been shown to be effective in alleviating the acute symptoms of GAD, with some studies indicating it is more effective than placebo 4.
  • The medication has also been found to be acceptable and tolerable, with a side effect profile that includes sleepiness and drowsiness 4.

Efficacy and Comparison to Other Anxiolytic Agents

  • Hydroxyzine has been compared to other anxiolytic agents, such as benzodiazepines and buspirone, and has been found to be equivalent in terms of efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability 4.
  • One study found that hydroxyzine demonstrated greater and more rapid cognitive improvement compared to lorazepam, a type of benzodiazepine 5.
  • However, the high risk of bias in the included studies and the small number of studies and sample size limit the ability to recommend hydroxyzine as a reliable first-line treatment for GAD 4.

Safety and Dependence

  • Hydroxyzine has been found to have a lack of organ toxicity and an absence of dependency, making it a potentially safer alternative to benzodiazepines 5.
  • In contrast, benzodiazepines have been shown to have a high potential for addiction and dependence, with severe withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening 6.
  • The use of hydroxyzine may be considered as an alternative to benzodiazepines for the treatment of anxiety disorders, given its relatively safer profile 4, 5.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Hydroxyzine for generalised anxiety disorder.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2010

Research

Recent clinical trials of hydroxyzine in generalized anxiety disorder.

Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica. Supplementum, 1998

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.