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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about doxylamine?
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
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.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist about taking this medication 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.
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.
Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medication. It can add to drowsiness caused by an antihistamine.
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.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medication 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.