How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
This medication belongs to the class of medications called antinauseants. This medication is used to treat the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. It contains two medications, doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride, that work on the centers in the brain that control these symptoms.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each white, film-coated, delayed-release tablet imprinted with the pink image of a pregnant woman contains 10 mg of doxylamine succinate and 10 mg of pyridoxine hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ammonium hydroxide, n-butyl-alcohol, carnauba wax powder, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, D&C Red No. 27, denatured alcohol, FD&C Blue No. 2, hypromellose, isopropyl alcohol, magnesium stearate, magnesium trisilicate, methacrylic copolymer acid, microcrystalline cellulose 102, PEG 400, PEG 8000, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, simethicone, sodium bicarbonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, titanium dioxide, and triethyl citrate.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose is 2 tablets at bedtime. In severe cases or if nausea or vomiting occurs during the day, your doctor may recommend adding 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet mid-afternoon. Swallow the medication whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush the tablets.
This medication works best when taken 4 to 6 hours before needed (e.g., anticipated morning sickness) and should be taken on a daily basis.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to doxylamine succinate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, or any ingredients of the medication
- are at risk of having an asthma attack
- have narrow angle glaucoma
- have a peptic ulcer (stomach ulcer)
- have a blockage in the digestive tract
- have urinary tract problems
- are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., certain antidepressants, linezolid, selegiline, methylene blue)
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- diarrhea
- difficulty sleeping
- dizziness
- headache
- irritability
- nervousness
- sleepiness
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- disorientation
- pounding, irregular heartbeat
- stomach pain
- trouble with urinary flow
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- convulsions (seizures)
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: This medication can cause drowsiness or reduced alertness. Do not drive or engage in other activities requiring alertness if the medication affects you in this way. Alcohol and other medications can increase the drowsiness caused by this medication.
Pregnancy: This medication is intended for pregnant women. It is safe to use during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding: Doxylamine may pass into breast milk and pyridoxine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between doxylamine succinate – pyridoxine HCl and any of the following:
- aclidinium
- alcohol
- amantadine
- amphetamines (e.g., dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine)
- antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, loratadine)
- antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone)
- atropine
- azelastine
- barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital)
- benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam)
- belladonna
- benztropine
- betahistine
- botulinum toxin
- brimonidine
- buprenorphine
- buspirone
- cannabis
- chloral hydrate
- clonidine
- darifenacin
- disopyramide
- domperidone
- donepezil
- eluxadoline
- entacapone
- flavoxate
- galantamine
- glucagon
- glycopyrrolate
- hyaluronidase
- ipratropium
- ketotifen
- lemborexant
- levodopa
- magnesium sulfate
- metoclopramide
- mirabegron
- mirtazapine
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs; e.g. maprotiline, moclobemide, selegiline, phenelzine, rasagiline, tranylcypromine)
- muscle relaxants (e.g., baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, orphenadrine)
- nabilone
- narcotic medications (e.g., morphine, codeine, fentanyl, oxycodone)
- oxybutynin
- potassium chloride
- pramipexole
- quinidine
- rivastigmine
- ropinirole
- rotigotine
- scopolamine
- secretin
- seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, clobazam, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate, valproic acid, zonisamide)
- tapentadol
- solifenacin
- thiazide diuretics (water pills; e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, metolazone)
- tiotropium
- tolterodine
- tramadol
- tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, trimipramine)
- umeclidinium
- zolpidem
- zopiclone
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Diclectin
