Doxylamine (NA)

Introduction To Doxylamine (NA)

Doxylamine (NA) is used to treat and prevent nausea, vomiting, and vertigo associated with morning sickness. It is also used to treat various allergic conditions as provides relief from runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.

Doxylamine (NA) should be taken on an empty stomach, but take it at the same time every day to get the most benefit. It should be taken as your doctor's advice. The dose and how often you take it depends on what you are taking it for. Your doctor will decide how much you need to improve your symptoms. You should take this medicine for as long as it is prescribed for you. In case, you have missed any doses then it is better to take the next dose as soon as you remember it. However, you should never take a double dose.

Dizziness or drowsiness is the most common side effect of this medicine. Avoid driving or attention-seeking activity. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. In some cases, it may cause dryness of the mouth, so it is advised to drink more water, always carry sugar candy or maintain oral hygiene.

Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have glaucoma or have any gastro-related issues or have asthma. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Generally, it is advised to avoid alcohol while on treatment.

Uses of Doxylamine (NA)

  • Morning sickness
  • Allergic conditions

Benefits of Doxylamine (NA)

Morning sickness
Doxylamine (NA) blocks the action of chemicals in the body that can make you feel or be sick in the morning time during pregnancy. This medicine helps you cope up with nausea or vomiting that occurs due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and helps you complete the term without much discomfort. It is a very safe and effective medicine.

Allergic conditions
Doxylamine (NA) is used to treat many different inflammatory and allergic conditions. It works by lowering your immune system’s response to these conditions and prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. It helps relieve symptoms such as swelling, pain, itching, and other allergic-type reactions. If you are not sure why you are being given this medicine, ask your doctor.
This medicine is given orally (by mouth). You should always take it as it has been prescribed for you. Do not stop taking it without your doctor’s advice. This can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Because this medicine weakens your immune system, you should avoid being near people who are ill or have infections.

Side effects of Doxylamine (NA)

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Sifdox

  • Drowsiness
  • Dryness in mouth
  • Tiredness
  • Lethargy
  • Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)

How to use Doxylamine (NA)

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Doxylamine (NA) is to be taken empty stomach.

How Doxylamine (NA) works

Doxylamine (NA) is an antihistamine medication. It blocks the action of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for inflammation, congestion, itching, and other allergic reactions. Doxylamine (NA) also acts on neurotransmitters in the brain that trigger feelings of nausea or disrupt other bodily processes that cause vomiting.

Quick tips

  • Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery as it may decrease alertness.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol when taking the Doxylamine (NA), as it may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Doxylamine (NA) if I’m pregnant?

Doxylamine (NA) is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.

sdsBreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Doxylamine (NA) if I’m breastfeeding?

Doxylamine (NA) is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby. Larger doses or prolonged use of Doxylamine (NA) may cause sleepiness and other effects in the baby

sdsAlcoholUNSAFE

Is drinking alcohol while taking Doxylamine (NA) safe?

Doxylamine (NA) may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.

sdsDrivingUNSAFE

Can I drive after taking Doxylamine (NA)?

Doxylamine (NA) may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

sdsKidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Doxylamine (NA) if I have/had kidney diseases?

Doxylamine (NA) is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Doxylamine (NA) may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

sdsLiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Doxylamine (NA) if I have/had liver diseases?

There is limited information available on the use of Doxylamine (NA) in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Doxylamine (NA)?

How does it work? Doxylamine (NA) is a medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. Usually, it is used when no improvement in symptoms is observed even after changing the diet or using other non-medicine treatments. Doxylamine (NA) works by blocking the action of certain natural substances in the body which could be the possible reason for nausea and vomiting.

Q. Can the use of Doxylamine (NA) cause drowsiness or sleepiness?

Yes, one of the common side effects of Doxylamine (NA) is drowsiness. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or engage in other activities that need your full attention. Do not drink alcohol or take any medicines that may depress the central nervous system like cough and cold medicines and certain pain medicines. Also, avoid medicines which are used to help with sleeping problems during treatment with Doxylamine (NA). Severe drowsiness can happen or become worse and may cause falls or accidents.

Q. Are there any specific contraindications associated with the use of Doxylamine (NA)?

The use of Doxylamine (NA) is considered to be harmful for people with known allergy to any of the ingredients of this medicine. Inform your doctor if you had or have any medical condition before taking Doxylamine (NA). Also, let your doctor know about all other medicines that you are taking as they may affect, or be affected by this medicine.

Q. Can I take a higher than the recommended dose of this medicine?

No, taking a higher than the recommended dose of Doxylamine (NA) can cause increased side effects. If you experience an increase in the severity of nausea or vomiting during the course of treatment, please consult your doctor for re-evaluation.

Q. What is the storage condition for the Doxylamine (NA)?

Keep this medicine in the container or the pack it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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