Hydroxyzine is a derivative of diphenylmethane. Instructions for use states that the substance is represented by a white fine powder, highly soluble in water and odorless. 374.9 grams per mole is the molecular weight of the compound.
Clinico-pharmacological group
The drug has a sedative, anxiolytic effect. This is due to the inhibitory effect on the activity of certain subcortical structures of the central nervous system as well as the blocking effect on the central H_1-histamine and m-cholinergic receptors.
"Hydroxyzine", analogues of the drug have a pronounced sedative effect and moderate anxiolytic activity. They have a stimulating effect on cognitive abilities, improve attention and memory. Mental dependence and addiction do not occur, afterlong-term use of the withdrawal syndrome is not observed. Anticholinergic, antihistamine, antispasmodic actions are also manifested. "Hydroxyzine" relieves smooth muscle spasm, thereby causing bronchodilating and analgesic effects, has an antiemetic effect and a moderate inhibitory effect on gastric secretion. With urticaria, dermatitis, eczema, etc., itching decreases during therapy with Atarax (hydroxyzine is the active ingredient).
The instruction says that the sedative effect is achieved, as a rule, within 10-45 minutes after ingestion (depending on the form of the drug), antihistamine - an hour after ingestion. In patients with liver disease, an antihistamine effect can be expected within 96 hours.
There are no mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of the drug.
Pharmacokinetics
When ingested, the drug is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, C_max is observed after two hours. The drug "Hydroxyzine" passes through the placenta and the BBB (the degree of concentration in the tissues of the embryo is more significant than in the tissues of the mother). In the process of metabolism in the liver, cetirizine is formed - the main metabolite. The value of T_1/2 depending on the age of the patient and may be 7 hours for children aged 2-10 years, 20 hours for adults, 29 hours for the elderly and the elderly; in patients with liver pathology, it can increase up to 37 hours. Excretion is carried out for the most part by the kidneys (0.8% in the initialform).
Indications for use
"Hydroxyzine hydrochloride" is used to:
- eliminate anxiety and hyperexcitability of the nervous system;
- during withdrawal for alcohol addicts;
- therapeutic treatment for psychoneurotic disorders;
- as part of complex treatment in the postoperative period and after some injuries;
- premedication;
- to reduce internal stress, generalized anxiety, restore adaptation processes, in the complex therapy of somatic diseases;
- to relieve symptoms of eczema, pruritic dermatosis, urticaria, atopic dermatitis;
- for antiemetic action as indicated.
Contraindications to the drug "Hydroxysin Canon"
Reviews of doctors indicate that the drug is not recommended for use:
- glaucoma patients;
- with prostate hypertrophy (prostate gland);
- patients with increased seizure activity;
- myasthenia patients;
- patients diagnosed with kidney and liver failure;
- for patients with dementia.
The drug is contraindicated:
- pregnant women;
- Porphyria patients;
- during the period of breastfeeding (for the period of treatment it is necessary to stop breastfeeding);
- with allergic manifestations to the constituent substance (also in cases where previouslyhypersensitivity to other derivatives of cetirizine, aminophylline, piperazine or ethylenediamine has been noted);
- during labor.
About side effects
Patients may experience drowsiness, general weakness, dizziness and headache at the start of Hydroxyzine therapy. Reviews of patients taking this remedy speak of the following side effects:
- allergic reactions, palpitations, nausea;
- urinary retention, constipation;
- dryness of visible mucous membranes, increased sweating;
- Visual impairment (possibly disturbance of accommodation);
- lowering blood pressure, increasing the enzymatic activity of the liver;
- may have bronchospasm.
Very rare manifestations of convulsions, tremors and disorientation, ataxia, paradoxical excitement and increased motor activity when using the remedy.
Overdose
The gag reflex is primarily induced or the stomach is washed out in case of an overdose of the drug "Hydroxysin". Instructions for use informs that in some cases it is necessary to monitor the vital functions of the patient, the introduction of caffeine-sodium benzoate, norepinephrine and even blood substitutes, all necessary measures are taken to maintain adequate functioning of the body. This remedy does not have specific antidotes, hemodialysis is not justified.
Most often these effects are reversible or their manifestations disappear after the revision of the daily dosage.
Dosage and method of administration
The drug is given orally or by intramuscular injection. The dose depends on the nosology, the age of the patient and on the form in which the drug "Hydroxyzine" is produced. days. The most commonly used dosage is 12.5mg in the morning and afternoon and 25mg in the evening.
In childhood, in the preoperative period, 1 mg per kg of live weight is used the day before in the evening and 60 minutes before the procedure itself.
For the purpose of sedation, adults are administered "Hydroxyzine" at a dosage of 50-200 mg orally or as an intramuscular injection of 1.5-2.5 mg per kg of the patient's weight one hour before surgery.
For the purpose of stopping itching, the effective dosage is from 25 to 100 mg of the drug in 3-4 doses.
Children from one to 6 years of age, the dose of the drug does not exceed 1-2.5 mg per kg of body weight per day in several doses.
In the same dosing regimen, children aged 6 years and older are prescribed 1-2 mg per kg of body weight during the day.
The maximum daily dosage is considered to be 300 mg. The maximum single dosage is 200 mg.
Elderly initiation of therapyhalf dosage is recommended.
Liver and kidney failure require adjustment of the dosage of the drug "Hydroxyzine".
The instruction warns that in order to achieve the fastest possible therapeutic effect, the solution is administered intramuscularly, deeply at a dose of 50-100 mg at a time. It is recommended to administer the drug in 4-6 doses per day.
In psychiatry, the drug is used at a dosage of up to 300 mg during the day. The duration of this therapy is 4 weeks.
If side effects such as weakness, drowsiness persist for several days, reduce the dose.
Precautions
With the simultaneous administration of "Hydroxyzine" with "Adrenaline", the effectiveness of the latter decreases.
The drug has an enhancing effect on the sedative effect of narcotic analgesics, alcoholic beverages, tranquilizers, barbiturates, hypnotics, and other drugs that depress the central nervous system.
The combined use of this substance with MAO inhibitors or anticholinergics is not recommended.
When combined with phenytoin, the anticonvulsant effect of taking the latter decreases.
The simultaneous use of this drug with cholinesterase blockers is undesirable.
An increase in the plasma concentration of a drug may result from its use with liver enzyme inhibitors.
Simultaneous therapy with drugs that depress the function of the central nervous system, or with anticholinergics requires dose adjustment.
Great caution should be given to patients who are prone to arrhythmias or who are taking antiarrhythmic drugs, as well as to those patients who have a predisposition to convulsive manifestations.
The therapy is a contraindication for the use of alcoholic beverages. If it is necessary to conduct tests for allergic reactions, the intake of "Hydroxyzine" must be canceled 5 days before the scheduled study. Caution is also necessary when using the drug while driving a vehicle by drivers and patients whose profession requires increased concentration of attention.
It should be borne in mind that the use of injectable forms is possible only in the form of intramuscular injections. Subcutaneous injection of the drug or the latter entering large vessels can cause tissue damage.
Therapy with this agent may cause false allergy testing results.
Terms of use and storage
Must have a prescription for the drug "Hydroxyzine".
Instructions for use says that oral forms of the drug are stored for no more than 5 years.
"Hydroxyzine". Patient Testimonials
In childhood, the use of the remedy for hyperactivity, reduced concentration of attention helps the child to be self-confident,concentrated and attentive, excludes a sharp change in mood. At the same time, when treating with Atarax (Hydroxysin), the instructions for use convince that the activity and cheerfulness of the child remain the same. Side effects are rare.
According to the statements of patients who use "Hydroxysine" (analogues of the drug) in certain cases, it follows that it causes calmness and self-confidence to a greater extent than many other drugs. With panic attacks and insomnia, this substance contributes to better falling asleep and sounder sleep. True, the abolition of the drug for the first few days seriously affects the process of falling asleep, but in principle the effect of therapy is very encouraging.
Drug price
You can buy the drug "Hydroxyzine", analogues that contain hydroxyzine, at a pharmacy with a doctor's prescription. The price will be 270-300 rubles for 25 tablets at a dosage of 25 mg.
"Hydroxyzine". Synonyms
Synonyms for "Hydroxyzine" are: "Hydroxyzine Canon", "Atarax", "Masmoram", "Aterax", "Hydroxyzine", "Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride", "Alamon", "Durax".