Doxylamine is an antihistamine, used to relieve symptoms
of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold. This medication works by
blocking certain natural substances (histamine, acetylcholine) that your
body makes. This effect helps to relieve allergy/cold symptoms such as
watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Doxylamine is also used to help you
relax and fall asleep.
Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe
or effective in children younger than 6 years. Do not use this product to
treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically
directed by the doctor. Also, do not give the 25 milligram tablets to
children younger than 12 years, unless directed by the doctor. Ask your
doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product
safely.
These products do not cure or shorten the length of the
common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for
serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use
this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold
medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also
Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways
to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a
humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).
Follow all directions on the product package. If your
doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food. This
medication may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset
occurs.
If you are using the chewable form of this medication,
chew thoroughly and then swallow.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication,
measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not
use a household spoon because you may not get the correct
dose.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and
response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication
more often than directed.
To help you sleep, take this medication about 30 minutes
before bedtime. If you continue to have difficulty sleeping for longer than
2 weeks, contact your doctor.
If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think
you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right
away.
Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, constipation, stomach
upset, blurred vision, decreased coordination, or dry mouth/nose/throat may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, contact your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get
up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations, irritability,
nervousness, confusion)
- ringing in the ears
- trouble urinating
- easy bruising/bleeding
- fast/irregular heartbeat
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking doxylamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema)
- a certain eye problem (glaucoma)
- heart problems
- high blood pressure
- liver disease
- seizures
- stomach problems (such as ulcers, blockage)
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- urination problems (such as trouble urinating due to enlarged
prostate, urinary retention)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your
vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear
vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your
doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Liquid products may contain sugar. Caution is advised if
you have diabetes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product
safely.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially drowsiness, dizziness, low blood pressure,
confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating. Drowsiness, dizziness, and
confusion can increase the risk of falling.
Children may be more sensitive to the effects of
antihistamines. In young children, this medication may cause
agitation/excitement instead of drowsiness.
This product is safe to use during pregnancy.
Based on information from related drugs, this medication
may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine
cream, ointment, spray)
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such
as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or other antihistamines (such as
cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as urine drug screening tests), possibly causing false test results.
Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this
drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: large
pupils, flushing, fever, hallucinations, weakness, shaking (tremor), muscle
twitching, loss of consciousness, seizures. In children, excitement may
occur first, and may be followed by loss of coordination, drowsiness, loss
of consciousness, seizures.
Do not take for several days before allergy testing
because test results can be affected.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Refer to storage information printed on the package. If
you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all
products away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.