Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ATARAX versus AZELASTINE HYDROCHLORIDE CHILDREN S ALLERGY.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ATARAX versus AZELASTINE HYDROCHLORIDE CHILDREN S ALLERGY.
ATARAX vs AZELASTINE HYDROCHLORIDE CHILDREN'S ALLERGY
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Hydroxyzine is a piperazine derivative with antihistaminic (H1-receptor antagonist) and anticholinergic properties; also exhibits sedative, anxiolytic, and antiemetic effects due to suppression of activity in subcortical areas of the CNS.
Azelastine hydrochloride is a phthalazinone derivative that acts as a selective histamine H1-receptor antagonist. It inhibits the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells, reduces chemotaxis, and decreases eosinophil activation. It also suppresses leukotriene and cytokine production.
25 mg orally 3-4 times daily; maximum 100 mg per day. Also available as 50 mg intramuscular injection every 4-6 hours.
Azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray: 1 spray (137 mcg) per nostril twice daily; maximum 2 sprays per nostril twice daily.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 20-25 hours in healthy adults; may be prolonged in elderly, hepatic impairment, or renal insufficiency (up to 30-40 hours); steady-state achieved within 3-4 days.
Terminal elimination half-life is 22–25 hours in adults; steady state achieved in 3–5 days. In children (6–11 years), half-life is similar (mean 22 hours).
Primarily hepatic metabolism via CYP3A4 and CYP2D6; renal excretion of metabolites accounts for approximately 70-80% of the dose, with less than 1% excreted unchanged; fecal excretion is about 10-15%.
Primarily renal (approximately 75%), with about 50% as unchanged drug and 25% as metabolites via CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Fecal excretion accounts for ~20%.
Category C
Category C
Antihistamine
Antihistamine