Reference guide
Atarax missing from Russian pharmacies: what replaces it and what France has
In early October 2026 Atarax could no longer be found in pharmacies in many Russian regions. Below is what is known from official statements and dated reports, what Atarax is and which medicines with the same active ingredient the French BDPM database lists. This is a reference, not a recommendation: a doctor decides on any substitution.
Published 2 November 2026.
What happened
On 6 October 2026 GxP News, using data from the AptekaMos pharmacy service, reported that Atarax was missing from pharmacies in at least 44 regions and left in a single pharmacy in 10 more. The medicine is made by the Belgian company UCB, which stated on its Russian website that it continues to supply without changes or restrictions.
On 7 October 2026 Roszdravnadzor, the Russian health products regulator, said there were no signs of a hydroxyzine shortage: more than 1.06 million packs were in circulation, over 512,000 of them Atarax, and production and supply matched the average of previous years. In the regulator’s view, one brand missing from one pharmacy is not a sign of a shortage (Interfax, RIA Novosti, 7 October 2026).
Pharmacy stock changes daily. LekInfo does not track stock in Russian pharmacies.
What Atarax is
Atarax is hydroxyzine, an anxiolytic with antihistamine activity. According to its label it is prescribed for anxiety, pruritus and premedication before medical procedures. It is prescription-only both in Russia and in France.
Is Atarax sold in France
Yes. In France Atarax by the same manufacturer, UCB, is registered in two forms: 25 mg scored tablets (packs of 30) and a 2 mg/mL syrup (a 200 mL bottle with a dosing syringe). According to BDPM both are prescription-only (List I), and a single prescription is limited to 12 weeks.
The French database also lists 25 mg hydroxyzine tablets by other manufacturers: Arrow, Biogaran, EG, Teva, Viatris, Zentiva and others. The active ingredient is the same; excipients and the look of the tablet may differ.
What to do if Atarax is missing from your pharmacy
Steps that help avoid interrupting treatment.
- Check other pharmacies and chains: according to Roszdravnadzor, the brand is missing from some pharmacies, but hydroxyzine itself is not in short supply.
- Russia has hydroxyzine medicines by other manufacturers. The State Register of Medicines (GRLS) lists them under the INN hydroxyzine.
- A medicine by another manufacturer with the same ingredient, strength and form is an INN substitution. Agree it with your doctor.
- Do not change treatment on your own: if hydroxyzine does not suit you, a doctor chooses another medicine.
- If you need Atarax specifically, a LekInfo manager checks the BDPM details free of charge and explains the possible ways to obtain it from France.
What France has
Atarax 25 mg tablets
hydroxyzine (dihydrochloride)
The same brand by the same manufacturer (UCB). Prescription only, List I.
Scored tablets, 30 per pack. In France a single prescription is limited to 12 weeks.
Atarax 2 mg/mL syrup
hydroxyzine (dihydrochloride)
The same brand by the same manufacturer (UCB). Prescription only, List I.
A 200 mL bottle with a dosing syringe. A doctor sets the dose.
Hydroxyzine by other manufacturers
hydroxyzine, 25 mg tablets
The same active ingredient, other manufacturers. Prescription only, List I.
Arrow, Biogaran, EG, Teva, Viatris, Zentiva and others. Excipients and the look of the tablet may differ from Atarax.
See also
Questions and answers
Why did Atarax disappear?
In October 2026 the media reported Atarax missing from pharmacies in many regions. On 7 October Roszdravnadzor said there were no signs of a hydroxyzine shortage, and the manufacturer UCB said supply continued unchanged. Official sources gave no reason for its absence from particular pharmacies.
What can replace Atarax?
The closest are medicines with the same active ingredient, hydroxyzine by other manufacturers. A doctor decides whether such a substitution suits you or another medicine is needed. LekInfo does not choose treatments.
Is Atarax sold in France?
Yes: 25 mg tablets and a 2 mg/mL syrup by the same manufacturer, UCB. In France they are prescription-only, and a single prescription is limited to 12 weeks.
Is Atarax prescription-only?
Yes, both in Russia and in France. In France it is on List I of prescription medicines.
How do I get a consultation about Atarax from France?
Send a manager a request with the medicine, form and strength from your prescription. They check the BDPM details and French dispensing conditions free of charge and explain the possible ways to obtain it.
This is reference information, not medical advice, advertising or an offer to sell. Prescribing and substitution are a doctor’s decisions. Sources: Roszdravnadzor (Interfax, RIA Novosti, 7 October 2026), GxP News (6 October 2026), BDPM (ANSM).