Why was atarax prescribed by md. for skin rash?

skin rash was painful and itchy. went to emergency room, doc. gave me a steroid shot and prescription for atarax for 30 days, what does a hypnotic drud have to do with a skin rash?|||Atarax (also known as vistaril) is great for things like hives. It doesn't have as many side-effects as Benadryl and can be taken for a longer amount of time. Seems to work faster too.





My brother and I both have severe allergies and keep it on hand as well as the emergency epi-sticks. Sometimes when you have a severe rash and take Benadryl your blood pressure will bottom out (causing you to faint), but that's less likely with Atarax.





Good luck!








GENERIC NAME: hydroxyzine


BRAND NAMES: Atarax; Vistaril


DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties that is used to treat allergic reactions. Histamine is released by the body during several types of allergic reactions and -- to a lesser extent -- during some viral infections, such as the common cold. When histamine binds to its receptors on cells, it causes changes within the cells that lead to sneezing, itching, and increased mucus production. Antihistamines compete with histamine for cell receptors; however, when they bind to the receptors they do not stimulate the cells. In addition, they prevent histamine from binding and stimulating the cells. After ingestion, the molecule of hydroxyzine is changed slightly, and this changed hydroxyzine that also binds to cells. (This changed hydroxyzine-called an active metabolite--is cetirizine (Zyrtec), which is now an FDA- approved drug.) Though both hydroxyzine and cetirizine act as antihistamines, hydroxyzine causes sedation as a side effect, and cetirizine does not. Hydroxyzine was originally approved by the FDA in 1957.





GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes





PRESCRIPTION: yes





PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 100mg. Capsules: 25mg, 50mg, 100mg. Syrup: 10mg per teaspoonful (5mL). Suspension: 25mg per teaspoonful (5mL).





STORAGE: Capsules, tablets, and liquids should be stored below 30°C (86°F). Liquid should not be frozen, and should be shaken well prior to each use.





PRESCRIBED FOR: Hydroxyzine is used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of various allergic conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis. Although antihistamines are the preferred class of drugs in allergic rhinitis, they only reduce symptoms by 40-60%. Hydroxyzine also is used as an aid for insomnia and to induce sedation prior to certain uncomfortable diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.





DOSING: Hydroxyzine has its maximal effect about 30 to 60 minutes after it is taken. Its effects last for 4 to 6 hours. Therefore, it is often prescribed to be taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for relief of allergy-related symptoms. When used to combat insomnia, it is prescribed to be taken 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime as needed. Patients over the age of 60 years are especially sensitive to the sedating effects of hydroxyzine, and the dose should be reduced. Hydroxyzine can be taken with or without food.|||It was prescribed to alleviate the itching.|||atarax, much like benedryl, is used for allergies as well as helping sleep.