Doxylamine is a first-generation antihistamine. It can be used by itself as a short-term sedative and in combination with other drugs to provide night-time allergy and cold relief. Doxylamine is also used in combination with the analgesics paracetamol (acetaminophen) and codeine as an analgesic/calmative preparation, and is prescribed in combination with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to prevent morning sickness in pregnant women.

Pharmacology

Doxylamine is an antihistamine derived from monoethanolamine possessing antimuscarinic and pronounced sedative effects.

Doxylamine is indicated for Hypersensitivity reactions, Insomnia

Hypersensitivity reactionn: 25 mg every 4-6 hr. Max: 150 mg daily.

Insomnia: 25 mg given 30 minutes before retiring at night.

Should be taken with food. Take with food or milk.

Severe liver disease; avoid alcohol; premature infants or full-term neonates.

Acute dystonic reactions and long-lasting impaired consciousness in child. CNS depression including slight drowsiness to deep sleep, lassitude, dizziness, incoordination. Headache, psychomotor impairment and antimuscarinic effects. Rarely rashes and hypersensitivity reactions, blood disorders, convulsions, sweating, myalgia, extrapyramidal effects, tremor, confusion, tinnitus, hypotension, hair loss.

May impair ability to drive and operate machinery. Angle-closure galucoma, urinary retention, prostatic hypertrophy or pyloroduodenal obstruction; epilepsy; hepatic impairment. Elderly. Lactation.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Category A: Controlled studies in women fail to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the 1st trimester (and there is no evidence of a risk in later trimesters), and the possibility of fetal harm remains remote.