What is the dose of Hydroxyzine (Atarax)?

From the Guidelines

Atarax should be dosed at 5 mg/kg once a day, with a usual dose of 300 mg for adults, as recommended by the British Thoracic Society guidelines 1. When considering the dosage of Atarax, it's essential to take into account the patient's age and weight.

• For adults, the typical dose is 300 mg, although doses of up to 450 mg are sometimes used, as stated in the British Thoracic Society guidelines 1.
• For children between 12 and 17 years old, the dose is 5 mg/kg once a day, orally.
• For younger children, between 1 month and 11 years old, the dose is also 5 mg/kg once a day, although there is limited data available on this age group 1. It's crucial to note that these dosages are based on the guidelines for the management of non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) and may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and individual patient factors. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations, as they will consider the patient's specific medical history, other medications, and the condition being treated.

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: adults, 50 to 100 mg q.i.d. ; children under 6 years, 50 mg daily in divided doses; children over 6 years, 50 to 100 mg daily in divided doses. For use in the management of pruritus due to allergic conditions such as chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses and in histamine-mediated pruritus: adults, 25 mg t.i.d. or q.i.d. ; children under 6 years, 50 mg daily in divided doses; children over 6 years, 50 to 100 mg daily in divided doses. The recommended dose of Atarax (hydroxyzine) is:

• Adults: 50 to 100 mg four times a day (q.i.d.) for anxiety and tension, or 25 mg three times a day (t.i.d.) or q.i.d. for pruritus
• Children under 6 years: 50 mg daily in divided doses
• Children over 6 years: 50 to 100 mg daily in divided doses 2

From the Research

Atarax (Hydroxyzine) Dose

• The dose of Atarax (hydroxyzine) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but its efficacy and tolerability are discussed in various contexts.
• In the study 3, hydroxyzine was used at a fixed dose of 50 mg in patients with generalized anxiety disorder, showing superiority over placebo on all anxiety measures from the first week.
• The study 4 mentions that hydroxyzine was used as per the clinician's discretion for a period of up to 12 weeks in patients with chronic pruritus, but the specific dose is not mentioned.
• In general, the dose of hydroxyzine can vary depending on the condition being treated and the patient's response to the medication.
• It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for specific dosing instructions, as they can provide guidance based on individual patient needs and medical history.

Efficacy and Tolerability

• The studies 5 and 3 suggest that hydroxyzine is effective in alleviating symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, with some evidence of its efficacy and tolerability compared to other anxiolytic agents.
• The study 4 demonstrates that hydroxyzine significantly improves symptoms of pruritus and quality of life in patients with chronic pruritus due to dermatological causes over 12 weeks.
• However, the study 6 raises concerns about the potential long-term neurodevelopmental adverse effects of hydroxyzine in preschool children, highlighting the need for controlled studies to confirm its safety in this population.

Safety and Adverse Effects

• The studies 5 and 4 mention that hydroxyzine is generally well-tolerated, with some common adverse effects including drowsiness, dry mouth, and sedation.
• The study 6 found significantly higher rates of certain mental and psychomotor disorders, such as tics, anxiety, and disturbance of conduct, in frequent users of hydroxyzine compared to a single prescription.
• It is crucial to weigh the potential benefits and risks of hydroxyzine and monitor patients closely for any adverse effects, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.