doxylamine and pyridoxine

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Pronunciation: dox IL a meen and PIR i DOX een

Brand: Diclegis

What is the most important information I should know about doxylamine and pyridoxine?

Do not use doxylamine and pyridoxine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

What is doxylamine and pyridoxine?

Doxylamine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body.

Pyridoxine is a form of vitamin B (B6).

Doxylamine and pyridoxine is a combination medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, sometimes called morning sickness.

Doxylamine and pyridoxine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking doxylamine and pyridoxine?

Do not use doxylamine and pyridoxine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to doxylamine or pyridoxine, or to other antihistamines such as Benadryl or Dramamine.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • asthma or other breathing disorder;
  • glaucoma, increased pressure inside your eye;
  • blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
  • a stomach ulcer; or
  • bladder obstruction or other urination problems.

FDA pregnancy category A. Doxylamine and pyridoxine is not expected to harm an unborn baby.

Doxylamine and pyridoxine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.

How should I take doxylamine and pyridoxine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not crush, chew, or break a delayed-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Doxylamine and pyridoxine is usually taken at bedtime on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after a meal.

If your symptoms do not improve, you may need to take 1 tablet in the morning, 1 tablet in the afternoon, and 2 tablets at bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse while using doxylamine and pyridoxine. Severe or ongoing vomiting can cause you to become dehydrated which can lead to serious medical problems.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, extreme drowsiness or dizziness, confusion, restless feeling, dilated pupils, rapid heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), or unexplained muscle pain or weakness with fever and dark colored urine.

What should I avoid while taking doxylamine and pyridoxine?

Doxylamine and pyridoxine may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase drowsiness caused by doxylamine and pyridoxine.

Many medicines available over the counter can increase drowsiness caused by doxylamine and pyridoxine. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cough/cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication. Severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.

Do not take any medicine without your doctor's advice while you are pregnant.

What are the possible side effects of doxylamine and pyridoxine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include:

  • drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect doxylamine and pyridoxine?

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking doxylamine and pyridoxine with any medications you use to treat depression, mental illness, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with doxylamine and pyridoxine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about doxylamine and pyridoxine.


Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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