Doxylamine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Doxylamine?

What is the function of the drug doxylamine?

Doxylamine is a oral medicine in the form of tablets or syrup which is included in the antihistamine class. Antihistamines are drugs that work by blocking the production of histamine, a substance in the body that can cause an allergic reaction.

This drug is mainly used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia. However, not only that, along with other medicines, it can also be used to reduce symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and colds.

Since the way this drug works is by blocking histamine, the effect of using this drug can reduce symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing.

This drug is included in the group of over-the-counter drugs, so you can buy it at a pharmacy either with or without a prescription from a doctor. However, if you buy it without a doctor's prescription, make sure you know the use of this drug is suitable for treating your health condition.

How to use doxylamine?

Some steps you should know to take this drug are:

• Take this medicine 30 minutes before bed so that the medicine can work more effectively.
• Do not use this medication for more than two weeks of use unless your doctor recommends something else.
• You may use this medicine to be taken before or after meals.
• Follow the directions for using the medicine on the label, or use it as directed by your doctor.
• You may take this medicine with food or milk if your stomach hurts.
• If you are taking this medication in syrup form, use a measuring spoon. If you don't have one, ask a pharmacist.
• Don't use a household spoon as you may not be using the correct dosage.
• Your dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy.

How do I store doxylamine?

This medicine should be stored at room temperature. Do not freeze in the bathroom or freezer. Other brands of this drug can have different storage rules. Pay attention to the storage instructions on the packaging of your product, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your product.

Rules of Use Doxylamine

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Doxylamine for adults?

Adult dosage for hypersensitivity reactions

Take 25 milligrams (mg) every 4-6 hours. The maximum dose of this drug is 150 mg daily.

Adult dosage for insomnia

Take 25 mg, taken 30 minutes before bed. This drug should only be used within 2 weeks. If you don't feel better after 2 weeks, call your doctor right away.

What is the dosage of doxylamine for children?

Children's dosage for insomnia

This medicine should only be used for children 12 years of age and older. The dose used is 25 mg, taken 30 minutes before bedtime.

This drug should only be used within 2 weeks. If you don't feel better after 2 weeks, call your doctor right away.

In what dosage is Doxylamine available?

Tablets: 25 mg.

Syrup: 100 milliliters (ml).

Doxylamine dosage

What side effects can be experienced due to doxylamine?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects include:

• dry mouth, nose and throat
• persistent drowsiness
• nausea
• Asphyxiate
• headache
• too excited
• panic and feel anxious
• confused, hallucinations
• severe dizziness or drowsiness
• constipation

The side effects that are quite serious and may include:

• blurred vision
• little or no urination

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Doxylamine side effects

What should be known before using doxylamine?

Before using doxylamine, there are a few things you should know and do:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to doxylamine or any other medicines
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you use, both prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are taking or planning to use. Be sure to mention cold, flower, or allergy medications, depression medications, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain medications, sedatives, sleeping pills, and sedatives.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or other breathing problems, glaucoma (a condition in which increased pressure in the eye causes gradual loss of vision), heart disease, high blood pressure, convulsions, or excessive thyroid gland.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using doxylamine, call your doctor.
• Be careful when using this medicine if you are over 65 years of age.
• When in hot weather or during heavy activity, keep drinking plenty of water so you don't lose body fluids.
• If you are going to have surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking doxylamine.
• You should know that this drug can make you drowsy.
• Do not use this medication for children under 12 years of age because this medicine has not been shown to be safe or effective.

What to know about Doxylamine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, not all types of drugs are safe for use by pregnant women.

Before deciding to use this drug, you should first consult your doctor about using this drug. Always consider the potential benefits and risks of using drugs.

If you decide to take this medication, make sure that the benefits of this medicine for your condition outweigh any health risks you might get from taking doxylamine.

Doxylamine may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines can also slow down milk production. Do not use this medication without your doctor's advice if you are breastfeeding.

Doxylamine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What medicines may interact with doxylamine?

Although certain drugs should not be taken at the same time, in some cases, two different drugs can be used together even if the interaction is possible. If this happens, your doctor may change the dose, or take other precautions if necessary.

When you are taking this medicine, your doctor should know if you are currently taking any of the medicines that are listed below. The following is a list of drugs selected based on potential interactions that often occur and does not mean that other drugs will not react with doxylamine.

Using this medication with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be needed occasionally. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dosage or adjust how often you use one or both drugs.

• furazolidone
• isocarboxazid
• linezolid
• phenelzine
• procarbazine
• propoxyphene
• selegiline
• topiramate
• zonisamide

Using this medication with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be needed in some cases. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or the length of time you take one or both drugs.

• aclidinium
• aldesleukin
• alfentanyl
• alprazolam
• amantadine
• amitriptyline
• amobarbital
• baclofen
• belladonna
• beripedin
• buspirone
• butabarbital
• buprenorphine
• bromocriptine
• cariprazine
• carisoprodol
• cetirizine
• cannabis
• felbamate
• flibanserin
• fosphenytoin
• galantamine
• halazepam
• haloperidol
• heroin
• hydrocodone

Taking this drug with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you.

If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor will change the dose you take for the drug or adjust how often you use one or both drugs.

• ipratropium nasal

Can food or alcohol interact with doxylamine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

Alcohol can interact with this drug and may increase the risk of side effects from taking this drug on your nervous system. If this is the case, you will feel dizzy, drowsy, and have difficulty concentrating. In fact, if the dose is excessive you will also do things unreasonable like a drunk person.

Avoid using alcohol while using doxylamine. In addition, do not use this drug for more than the prescribed dose. Stay away from any activity that requires high concentration such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery before you really know how your body is reacting to the use of this drug.

What health conditions can interact with doxylamine?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this drug if you have medical conditions, specifically:

• depression
• asthma
• cardiovascular
• liver disorders
• kidney problems
• glaucoma
• respiratory disorders such as enphysema, bronchitis and other respiratory problems

Doxylamine Drug Interactions

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. Overdose symptoms that can arise from using this drug are side effects that arise from using the drug but tend to get worse.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

This medication is taken only when you need it. Do not use this medication more than recommended by your doctor. If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.