This combination medication (doxylamine with pyridoxine)
is used to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy.
Decreasing nausea and vomiting may improve your health and nutrition during
pregnancy. Doxylamine is an antihistamine that is thought to work by
affecting certain natural substances (acetylcholine, serotonin) in your
body or by acting directly on certain parts of the brain. Pyridoxine is a B
vitamin that is important for good health. Most people get enough
pyridoxine in their diet, but certain health conditions (such as pregnancy,
poor diet, alcoholism) can result in a lack of this
vitamin.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you
get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth without food as directed
by your doctor. If this medication is taken with food, it may take longer
for it to start to work but will not decrease the effect.
Swallow the medication whole with a full glass of water.
Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response
to treatment. This medication is usually taken at bedtime to decrease
nausea and vomiting in the morning. If nausea lasts during the day,
additional doses may be prescribed by your doctor. Talk with your doctor
about your symptoms and the best dose schedule for you. Do not take more
than 4 tablets in a day.
Do not stop using this medication or change your dose
without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the
drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually
decreased.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, stomach upset,
diarrhea, constipation, headache, and trouble sleeping may occur. If any of
these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because 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 confusion, irritability,
nervousness)
- 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 this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to doxylamine or pyridoxine; 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)
- eye problems (such as glaucoma)
- heart problems
- liver disease
- seizures
- stomach problems (such as ulcers, blockage)
- urination problems (such as 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).
This product is safe to use during pregnancy.
Pyridoxine passes into breast milk. It is unknown if
doxylamine passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast
milk. Doxylamine may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. 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:
- altretamine
- 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:
flushing, hallucinations, weakness, shaking (tremor), muscle twitching,
loss of consciousness, seizures.
Do not share this medication with others.
Do not take for several days before allergy testing
because test results can be affected.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications 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.