Artica

Indications

Artica Hydrochloride is recommended for the following conditions:

• Anxiety and Tension: Provides relief from anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis and as an adjunct therapy in organic diseases where anxiety is present.
• Pruritus (Itching): Effective in managing itching caused by allergic conditions, including chronic urticaria and atopic or contact dermatitis, as well as histamine-induced pruritus.
• Sedative Uses: Acts as a sedative when used as premedication or post-anesthesia.

Note: The long-term efficacy of Artica as an anti-anxiety medication (beyond 4 months) has not been systematically evaluated in clinical trials. Regular reassessment by the prescribing physician is advised for ongoing treatment suitability.

Always follow the advice of a registered medical professional when taking this medication.

Pharmacology

Artica Hydrochloride belongs to the anxiolytic antihistamine class and is a selective H1 receptor antagonist of the piperazine type. Its primary mode of action is through the suppression of activity in certain key regions of the central nervous system, particularly subcortical areas, rather than as a cortical depressant. Additionally, it exhibits skeletal muscle relaxant properties and has bronchodilator, antihistamine, and analgesic effects, confirmed through both clinical and experimental studies.

Hydroxyzine is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, with effects typically noticeable within 15 to 30 minutes following oral administration.

Dosage and Administration

• For Anxiety and Tension Relief:
  • Adults: 50-100 mg, taken 4 times a day.
  • Children (over 6 years): 50-100 mg (5-10 teaspoonfuls), divided doses.
  • Children (under 6 years): 50 mg (5 teaspoonfuls), divided doses.
• For Pruritus (Itching):
  • Adults: 25 mg, 3-4 times daily.
  • Children (6 years and older): 50-100 mg (5-10 teaspoonfuls), divided doses.
  • Children (under 6 years): 50 mg (5 teaspoonfuls), divided doses.
• As a Sedative (Premedication or Post-Anesthesia):
  • Adults: 50-100 mg.
  • Children: 0.6 mg per kg of body weight.

Always consult a registered healthcare provider before using this medication.

Drug Interactions

Artica may enhance the effects of Meperidine and barbiturates. If used as a pre-anesthetic, dosages of these drugs should be adjusted accordingly. The drug does not affect the action of atropine or other belladonna alkaloids, nor does it interact with digitalis. However, concurrent use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is not recommended.

Contraindications

Artica should not be used by individuals who are allergic to Hydroxyzine or any of its components.

Side Effects

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

• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Psychomotor impairment
• Dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision, gastrointestinal disturbances (due to antimuscarinic effects)

Less common but serious effects may include:

• Hypotension, arrhythmias, or palpitations
• Dizziness, confusion, depression, sleep disturbances, tremors, or convulsions
• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., bronchospasm, angioedema, anaphylaxis)
• Blood disorders, liver dysfunction, and angle-closure glaucoma

Pregnancy and Lactation

Due to insufficient clinical data, Artica is contraindicated during early pregnancy. It is also unknown whether Hydroxyzine is excreted in breast milk, so its use should be avoided in nursing mothers.

Precautions and Warnings

• CNS Depressants: Artica can potentiate the effects of other central nervous system depressants such as narcotics, non-narcotic analgesics, and barbiturates. Dosages of these medications should be reduced when used together.
• Drowsiness: Artica may cause drowsiness. Patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while on this medication.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of Artica, so its use with this drug is not recommended.

Use in Special Populations

• Renal Impairment: In patients with renal impairment, the usual dose should be halved.
• Elderly Patients: For elderly individuals, it is recommended to begin treatment with half the normal dose due to the extended duration of action in this population.

Overdose Effects

The most common effect of an overdose with Artica is excessive sedation. If overdose occurs, immediate action is required:

• Induce vomiting if it hasn’t occurred spontaneously.
• Perform gastric lavage.
• Administer supportive care, including monitoring vital signs closely.
• Hypotension (though rare) may be managed with intravenous fluids and vasopressors (Levarterenol or Metaraminol).
• Epinephrine should not be used due to its antagonistic effect with Artica.
• Hemodialysis is unlikely to be helpful, but may be considered if other drugs like barbiturates were ingested alongside.

Therapeutic Class

Sedating Antihistamine

Storage Conditions

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