What is the most important information I should know about doxylamine?
Before using doxylamine, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, kidney disease, an
enlarged prostate, problems with urination, a stomach ulcer or obstruction, or a chronic lung
disease such as bronchitis or emphysema.
Use this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use
the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old without the advice of a
doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. It is best to take doxylamine only
when you can devote several hours to sleep. If it is almost your normal waking hour, skip the
missed dose and wait until you are ready for bed again. Do not use extra medicine to make up
the missed dose.
There may be other drugs that can interact with doxylamine. Tell your doctor about all
your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and
drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you
have any of these signs of an
allergic reaction:
hives;
difficulty breathing; swelling of your face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Tell your doctor
about any unusual or bothersome side effects.
Avoid
drinking alcohol while you are taking this medication. It can add to
drowsiness caused by an
antihistamine.
What is doxylamine?
Doxylamine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body.
Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Doxylamine is sometimes combined with other medicines to treat sneezing, itching,
watery eyes, and runny nose caused by allergies or the common cold.
Doxylamine as a single drug (not part of a combination) is used as a short-term treatment
for sleep problems (insomnia).
Doxylamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking doxylamine?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to doxylamine or other antihistamines.
Before using doxylamine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
-
glaucoma;
-
kidney disease;
-
an enlarged prostate;
-
problems with urination;
-
stomach ulcer or digestive tract obstruction; or
-
bronchitis, emphysema or other chronic lung disease.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to
be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant
during treatment.
This medication may pass into breast
milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not
use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old without the advice of a
doctor.
How should I take doxylamine?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do
not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
To treat insomnia, doxylamine is usually taken within 30 minutes of bedtime. Follow
your doctor's instructions.
Talk with your doctor if your sleep problems do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with allergy skin tests. Tell any
doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.
Store doxylamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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