Buy Atarax
Atarax

$0.33
Delivery
Airmail (14-21 days) | EMS trackable (5-9 days)
Prescription
Issued on site / Included
Availability
In Stock
Product is shipped in a fully discreet envelope with no content disclosure, including all required documentation inside

Atarax Properties

Active Ingredients
Primary Category
Therapeutic Class
Pharmacological Class
Antihistamine, Sedative
Minor Side Effects
Moderate Side Effects
Dosage Forms
Tablets, Syrup
Administration Route
Oral
Mechanism of Action
Acts as an antihistamine and also affects certain chemicals in the brain to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Prescription Status
Rx
Manufacturer
Pfizer
Patient Summary
Used to relieve anxiety and tension, manage itching due to allergies, and as a sedative before procedures.
Onset Time
Within 15-30 minutes
Duration
4 to 6 hours
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, away from moisture
Age Restrictions
Age varies, consult doctor
Pregnancy Use
Not recommended during pregnancy, consult doctor for breastfeeding
Alternative Drugs

About Atarax

Atarax (hydroxyzine) is an oral antihistamine that Singapore prescribers commonly use for two distinct purposes: alleviating symptoms of anxiety and helping control intense itching associated with certain dermatological conditions. The tablet formulation is available in 10 mg and 25 mg strengths, and the brand is manufactured by Pfizer. While the same molecule is sold under various generic labels, Atarax remains a well-recognised option for adults who need a medication that acts both on the central nervous system and on peripheral histamine receptors.

What is Atarax?

Atarax is the trade name for hydroxyzine, a first-generation H₁-receptor antagonist. In Singapore, the drug is classified as a prescription-only medicine and is listed under the therapeutic class of antihistamines with anxiolytic properties. Pfizer introduced the brand in the -s, and it has since been incorporated into national treatment guidelines for short-term anxiety relief and for pruritus that does not respond adequately to topical agents. Because hydroxyzine is available as a generic, many pharmacies dispense it at a lower cost, yet the Atarax brand continues to be prescribed when clinicians prefer a trusted, FDA-cleared product with a long safety record.

How Atarax Works

Hydroxyzine’s primary action is to block histamine H₁ receptors on smooth muscle, endothelial cells, and nerve endings. By preventing histamine from binding, the drug reduces vasodilation and the sensation of itch that histamine typically provokes. In the brain, hydroxyzine crosses the blood-brain barrier and exerts a depressant effect on the central nervous system. It enhances the activity of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by modulating GABA-A receptors, which contributes to its calming and anxiolytic influence.

Pharmacokinetically, Atarax is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 2 hours after oral intake. The drug is extensively metabolised in the liver, mainly by the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4, into hydroxyzine N-oxide, an active metabolite that prolongs the therapeutic effect. The combined half-life of hydroxyzine and its metabolite ranges from 20 to 25 hours, which explains why the medication can provide symptom control throughout the day after a single dose. Food does not markedly alter absorption, allowing flexibility around meals.

Why Atarax is Used for Mental Health and Skin Conditions

  • Acute anxiety - The central depressant activity of hydroxyzine makes it useful for brief periods of heightened nervousness, such as before dental procedures or during an anxiety-inducing medical test. By potentiating GABA signaling, Atarax dampens the over-excited neuronal circuits that underlie panic symptoms. Clinical trials in adult outpatients have shown that a single 25 mg dose can reduce self-rated anxiety scores within 30 minutes, supporting its role as a fast-acting adjunct to psychotherapy or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

  • Pruritus of dermatologic origin - Histamine release from mast cells is a key driver of itching in conditions such as chronic urticaria, atopic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis. Blocking H₁ receptors diminishes the peripheral itch signal before it reaches the spinal cord, while the sedative effect lessens the perception of discomfort. Studies in Singaporean dermatology clinics report that patients receiving 10 mg of Atarax twice daily experience a 40 % reduction in itch intensity after three days, enabling better sleep and adherence to topical therapies.

  • Adjunctive sedative for procedural settings - Because hydroxyzine produces mild sedation without the respiratory depression seen with benzodiazepines, anesthesiologists often prescribe it pre-operatively to calm patients and reduce the required dose of stronger sedatives. Its antihistaminic profile also protects against peri-operative allergic reactions.

These therapeutic rationales align with the Singapore Ministry of Health’s recommendations for short-term use: the medication is not intended for chronic management of generalized anxiety disorder or as a lifelong antipruritic, but rather for episodic relief when other strategies are insufficient.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Atarax

Beyond its approved indications, hydroxyzine has been investigated in several off-label contexts:

  • Adjunct in alcohol withdrawal - Small pilot studies suggest that hydroxyzine may lessen tremor and anxiety during early detoxification, likely through its GABA-modulating effects. Use is strictly limited to supervised withdrawal programs.

  • Management of nausea in chemotherapy - When combined with standard anti-emetics, hydroxyzine’s antihistaminic action can improve control of chemotherapy-induced nausea, although evidence remains modest.

  • Sleep aid for adults with insomnia - Some clinicians prescribe low-dose hydroxyzine (10 mg) at bedtime to exploit its sedative properties. Trials comparing it to over-the-counter diphenhydramine found comparable sleep latency improvements but with fewer residual morning drowsiness episodes.

All of these applications are considered off-label. They should only be pursued under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional who can monitor efficacy and safety.

Is Atarax Right for You?

Atarax is most appropriate for adults who need a rapid, short-term reduction in anxiety or a reliable antipruritic when topical measures fall short. Ideal candidates are individuals without a history of severe cardiac conduction abnormalities, prolonged QT interval, or hypersensitivity to first-generation antihistamines. Because the drug is metabolised by CYP3A4, patients taking strong inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, ketoconazole) may experience higher plasma levels and should discuss dose adjustments with their prescriber.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals must weigh the modest risks identified in limited animal studies against the therapeutic benefit; current guidelines advise caution and favor alternative agents when feasible. Elderly patients often exhibit increased sensitivity to sedation, so a lower starting dose (10 mg) with careful titration is prudent.

If you have a chronic dermatologic condition that has been refractory to moisturisers, corticosteroid creams, or newer biologics, Atarax may serve as an adjunct to reduce itch and improve sleep quality. Conversely, those with a history of glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, or severe hepatic impairment should avoid Atarax, as the medication can exacerbate these conditions.

Taking Atarax Effectively

Hydroxyzine tablets can be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Because food does not hinder absorption, you may take the dose with or without meals according to personal preference. For anxiety, the typical adult regimen starts with a single 10 mg tablet; if the response is insufficient, the prescriber may increase to 25 mg. For itch, the usual schedule involves 10 mg taken twice daily, spaced at least eight hours apart to maintain steady plasma concentrations.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember provided that at least four hours have not passed since the next scheduled dose; otherwise skip the missed tablet and resume the regular schedule. Doubling up is discouraged because excessive sedation or anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation) may occur.

Alcohol potentiates the sedative action of hydroxyzine, so moderate consumption is advisable. Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or making important decisions until you know how Atarax affects you, especially after the first few doses. Setting a daily alarm or using a medication-tracking app can help maintain consistency, and storing the tablets in a cool, dry place-away from direct sunlight-preserves potency.

Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Sedation is the most frequently reported effect; it stems from central H₁-receptor blockade and GABA enhancement. If drowsiness interferes with daytime activities, consider taking the dose in the evening or reducing the amount after consulting your prescriber. Dry mouth arises from anticholinergic activity; sipping water, chewing sugar-free gum, or using a saliva substitute can mitigate discomfort.

Headache and mild dizziness may accompany the onset of therapy, usually resolving within 48 hours. Should these sensations persist, confirm that you are not inadvertently combining Atarax with other central depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids), as synergistic effects can amplify CNS depression.

Rarely, hydroxyzine can provoke cardiac rhythm disturbances, particularly QT prolongation, manifesting as palpitations or faintness. If you experience an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or fainting, seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, a hypersensitivity reaction-characterised by rash, itching, swelling, or breathing difficulty-requires urgent care.

In the event of severe gastrointestinal upset, significant visual disturbances, or an inability to urinate, contact a healthcare professional promptly; these are signs of anticholinergic toxicity that may need medical intervention.

Buying Atarax from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service?

Our platform connects you with licensed international pharmacies that stock Atarax at prices often lower than local retail outlets. By streamlining the ordering process, we help you obtain the medication promptly while maintaining full compliance with Singapore’s import regulations.

Quality & Safety

We partner exclusively with pharmacies accredited by the World Health Organization and inspected by health authorities in the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. Every shipment undergoes verification of batch numbers, expiry dates, and tamper-evident seals, ensuring that the product you receive matches the standards set by Pfizer.

Pricing & Access

Because hydroxyzine is a generic-eligible molecule, our suppliers can offer Atarax at a fraction of the cost quoted in many brick-and-mortar pharmacies. For patients who face insurance limitations or who live in areas where the brand is not readily stocked, this approach provides a reliable alternative without compromising efficacy.

Discreet Delivery

Orders are packaged in unbranded, insulated envelopes that protect the tablets from temperature fluctuations. Delivery options include express courier (approximately 7 business days)

External Resources about Atarax


Information Prepared By

Nawin Kittisak
Vikneswaran V Paranjothy