Artica 10 mg

Description

Indications:

Artica Hydrochloride is primarily used for the symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension, especially in cases associated with psychoneurosis. It can also serve as an adjunctive treatment in organic disease states where anxiety is present. Additionally, Artica is effective in managing pruritus (itching) caused by allergic conditions such as chronic urticaria (hives) and atopic or contact dermatoses. It is also used to relieve histamine-mediated pruritus.

Artica is commonly used as a sedative in premedication and after general anesthesia.

Note: The effectiveness of Artica as an anti-anxiety agent for prolonged use (over 4 months) has not been systematically studied. It is important for physicians to periodically reassess the continued usefulness of this medication for individual patients.

Consult a registered medical professional before using this medication.

Pharmacology:

Artica Hydrochloride is an anxiolytic antihistamine belonging to the piperazine class. As a H1 receptor antagonist, it is not a cortical depressant, but its therapeutic effects are attributed to the suppression of activity in certain regions of the subcortical area of the central nervous system. Experimental studies have demonstrated its primary skeletal muscle relaxation properties, as well as bronchodilator and antihistaminic effects, both of which have been confirmed clinically. Artica also has analgesic and antiemetic effects (proven in tests such as the apomorphine and veriloid tests).

After oral administration, Hydroxyzine is rapidly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, with its clinical effects usually becoming evident within 15 to 30 minutes.

Dosage & Administration:

• For Anxiety and Tension Relief:

  • Adults: 50-100 mg, 4 times daily.
  • Children (over 6 years): 50-100 mg (5-10 teaspoonfuls) daily, divided doses.
  • Children (under 6 years): 50 mg (5 teaspoonfuls) daily, divided doses.

• For Pruritus due to Allergic Conditions:

  • Adults: 25 mg, 3 to 4 times daily.
  • Children (over 6 years): 50-100 mg (5-10 teaspoonfuls) daily, divided doses.
  • Children (under 6 years): 50 mg (5 teaspoonfuls) daily, divided doses.

• As a Sedative (Premedication and Post-Anesthesia):

  • Adults: 50-100 mg.
  • Children: 0.6 mg per kg of body weight.

Always use this medication as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Drug Interactions:

Artica may enhance the effects of Meperidine and barbiturates, requiring dosage adjustments when used together, especially in pre-anesthetic therapy. The drug does not interfere with the action of digitalis, and it can be safely used alongside it. Concurrent use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should be avoided.

Contraindications:

Artica Hydrochloride is contraindicated for patients who are hypersensitive to Hydroxyzine or any of its components.

Side Effects:

Most side effects associated with Artica Hydrochloride are mild and transient. Common adverse effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Psychomotor impairment
• Antimuscarinic effects such as urinary retention, dry mouth, blurred vision, and gastrointestinal disturbances.

Other rare side effects may include:

• Hypotension
• Palpitations
• Arrhythmias
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Allergic reactions such as bronchospasm, angioedema, anaphylaxis, rashes, and photosensitivity
• Blood disorders
• Liver dysfunction
• Angle-closure glaucoma

Pregnancy & Lactation:

Due to insufficient clinical data regarding its safety during early pregnancy, Hydroxyzine is contraindicated in early pregnancy. It is not known whether Hydroxyzine is excreted in human milk. As many drugs are excreted in breast milk, it is recommended not to administer Hydroxyzine to nursing mothers.

Precautions & Warnings:

• CNS Depressants: The potentiating effects of Artica should be considered when used with other CNS depressants (e.g., narcotics, non-narcotic analgesics, barbiturates). The dosage of these drugs should be adjusted accordingly.
• Drowsiness: Artica can cause drowsiness. Patients should be warned about this effect and advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery while taking the drug.
• Alcohol: Alcohol consumption may enhance the sedative effect of Artica. Patients should avoid simultaneous use.

Use in Special Populations:

• Renal Impairment: In patients with renal impairment, the dosage should be halved to avoid potential toxicity.
• Elderly Patients: For elderly patients, it is recommended to start with half the usual dose due to the drug’s prolonged action in this group.

Overdose Effects:

Overdose with Artica typically results in excessive sedation. If an overdose is suspected, the following steps should be taken:

• If vomiting has not occurred naturally, induce it.
• Perform immediate gastric lavage.
• Provide general supportive care, including close monitoring of vital signs.
• Hypotension (if it occurs) can be managed with intravenous fluids and Levarterenol or Metaraminol (Epinephrine should not be used due to its antagonistic effect).
• Hemodialysis is unlikely to be effective unless other drugs such as barbiturates were co-administered.

Therapeutic Class:

Sedating Antihistamine

Storage Conditions:

Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Keep out of the reach of children.