Artica 10mg Tablet

Uses of Artica 10mg Tablet

It is used to treat:

• Allergic reactions
• Itching due to urticaria (nettle rash) and dermatitis
• Anxiety

How does Artica 10mg Tablet work?

• For allergies, it blocks histamine, a chemical messenger, reducing symptoms like itching, swelling, and rashes.
• In short-term anxiety, it reduces brain activity, inducing relaxation and drowsiness.

Side Effects of Artica 10mg Tablet

The most frequent side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, tiredness, headache, and sleepiness. Contact your doctor if these side effects worsen or persist.

Quick Suggestions:

• You have been prescribed Artica 10mg Tablet to treat allergy symptoms like itching, swelling, and rashes or to relieve mild anxiety.
• Be aware that it may decrease your alertness, so avoid driving or using machinery if you experience drowsiness.
• Additionally, refrain from alcohol consumption when taking Hydroxyzine, as it may intensify drowsiness.
• Inform your doctor if you have a heart disease, as Hydroxyzine could increase the risk of heart problems.
• Lastly, let your doctor know if you have a history of kidney or liver problems.

Indication

• Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride is an antihistamine medication used to treat skin allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes.
• It is also used to treat anxiety and to help patients relax before or after surgery.

Pharmacology

Hydroxyzine, a piperazine derivative, has several pharmacological properties:

Antihistamine: Hydroxyzine works by blocking histamine H1-receptors on various effector cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood vessels, and respiratory tract. This property helps in relieving symptoms associated with allergic reactions, such as itching, swelling, and rashes.

Sedation: Hydroxyzine is known for its sedative properties. It can help induce sleep and relieve anxiety and tension. This makes it useful for short-term treatment of anxiety and as a premedication before general anesthesia.

Antimuscarinic: Hydroxyzine has antimuscarinic effects, which means it blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. This can lead to certain side effects, including dry mouth and decreased secretions.

Skeletal Muscle Relaxation: Hydroxyzine possesses muscle-relaxing properties, which can be useful in various medical conditions that involve muscle tension or spasms.

Bronchodilation: It has the ability to dilate the airways in the respiratory tract, which is useful in conditions like asthma.

Antiemetic: Hydroxyzine can help prevent nausea and vomiting, making it useful in the treatment of motion sickness or other conditions that cause nausea.

Analgesic: Although its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties are not as pronounced as its antihistaminic effects, hydroxyzine may provide some relief from pain.

Dosage & Administration of Artica 10mg Tablet

The dosages for Artica 10mg Tablet (Hydroxyzine) are as follows:

Adult Dose:

• For anxiety and tension relief: 50-100 mg four times daily.
• For pruritus due to allergic conditions: Initially, 25 mg at night, increased if required to 25 mg 3-4 times daily.
• As a sedative for premedication and following general anesthesia: 50-100 mg.
• For hepatic impairment: Reduce the total daily dose by 33%.

Child Dose:

• For anxiety and tension relief:
  • Children under 6 years: 50 mg daily in divided doses.
  • Children over 6 years: 50-100 mg daily in divided doses.
• For pruritus due to allergic conditions:
  • Children 6 months to 6 years: Initially 5-15 mg/day, increased to 50 mg/day in divided doses.
  • Children over 6 years: Initially 15-25 mg/day, increased up to 50-100 mg/day in divided doses.
• As a sedative for premedication and following general anesthesia: 0.6 mg/kg in children.
• For hepatic impairment: Reduce the total daily dose by 33%.

Renal Dose:

• For renal impairment:
  • If the creatinine clearance is over 50 mL/min, dose adjustment is not necessary.
  • If the creatinine clearance is less than 50 mL/min, administer 50% of the normal dose.

Interaction

Artica 10mg Tablet may interact with various drugs, including opiates, heart medications, Alzheimer's drugs, anticholinergics, antipsychotics, pain relievers, and medicines for bladder problems. Additionally, it should not be used with alcohol as it can intensify the central nervous system's depressive effect.

Artica 10mg Tablet should be used cautiously in individuals with conditions such as glaucoma, emphysema, asthma, ulcers, urinary retention, hyperthyroidism, heart failure, hypertension, or kidney and liver problems. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance regarding any potential drug interactions or contraindications based on your specific health condition.

Contraindications

Artica 10mg Tablet is not recommended for patients with porphyria, heart problems, or low salt levels. Inform your doctor if you have liver, kidney, or mental health issues.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Human clinical data is insufficient to prove safety in early pregnancy. Hydroxyzine is contraindicated in early pregnancy until further data is available. This medication is not known to be excreted in human milk. Hydroxyzine should not be administered to nursing women since many medications are eliminated so quickly.

Precautions & Warnings

• Renal and Hepatic Impairment: Caution is advised when using Artica 10mg Tablet in individuals with kidney or liver problems. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your condition.
• Narrow-Angle Glaucoma: Artica 10mg Tablet should not be used in individuals with narrow-angle glaucoma, as it may worsen this condition.
• Epilepsy: If you have epilepsy, consult your doctor before using Artica 10mg Tablet, as it may require dose adjustments or an alternative treatment.
• Prostatic Hypertrophy and Bladder Neck Obstruction: This medication should be used with caution in individuals with prostatic hypertrophy or bladder neck obstruction. Your doctor will consider your specific condition and may adjust the dosage.
• Asthma and COPD: If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inform your doctor before starting Artica 10mg Tablet. They will assess your situation and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: If you have certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma, emphysema, asthma, ulcers, urine retention, hyperthyroidism, heart failure, hypertension, kidney, or liver problems, it's crucial to inform your physician before taking Artica 10mg Tablet. This will help ensure your safety and determine if this medication is suitable for you.
• Activities Requiring Alertness: It is advisable to avoid activities like driving and operating machinery after taking Artica 10mg Tablet, especially if it causes drowsiness or reduces alertness. This is important to prevent accidents.
• Impaired Ability: Artica 10mg Tablet may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. It's essential to be aware of this potential effect and avoid such activities if you experience drowsiness or reduced alertness while taking the medication.
• Lactation: The excretion of Artica 10mg Tablet in breast milk is unknown. If you are breastfeeding, use this medication with caution, and consult your healthcare provider for guidance on its safety during lactation.

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool & dry place. Protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.