Doxylamine/Pyridoxine

What is Doxylamine/Pyridoxine for?

Doxylamine and Pyridoxine (Bonjesta®) is used to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (also known as “morning sickness”).

This medication contains two active ingredients. Doxylamine succinate is an antihistamine, and pyridoxine hydrochloride is a Vitamin B6 supplement. Together, they help to reduce the feeling of nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting during pregnancy. 

How should I take or use Doxylamine/Pyridoxine?

• Take half to one hour before food, on an empty stomach, with a glass of water.
• Swallow the tablet whole.  Do not break, chew or crush the tablet as it may affect the release of the medication in your body.
• Taking it regularly every day helps to keep your symptoms under control.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Doxylamine/Pyridoxine?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is not close to the next dose. Otherwise, you should skip the dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Doxylamine/Pyridoxine?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies. In particular, inform your doctor if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a type of medication used to treat depression.
• You have narrow angle glaucoma (a condition where the pressure in the eye is increased), stenosing peptic ulcer (a condition where ulcers form in the stomach or intestines), or difficulty passing urine.

If you have any questions about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Doxylamine/Pyridoxine?

• Avoid alcoholic drinks as this may increase drowsiness.
• Avoid taking medications that cause drowsiness as this medication may increase the drowsy effects.
• Many over-the-counter medications contain antihistamines, hence you should always check with your health care professional before taking two over-the-counter medications at the same time to prevent overdosing.  
• Do not take this medication if you are currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).  

What are some common side effects of Doxylamine/Pyridoxine?

This medication is generally well tolerated. 
The most common side effect is drowsiness.  If affected, do not drive or operate machinery.
Make sure your reactions are normal before you drive or do things require you to be alert.  Severe drowsiness can happen or become worse causing falls or accidents.  
Consult your healthcare professional if your drowsiness becomes severe or bothersome.

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:
 
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If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Doxylamine/Pyridoxine?

Store at room temperature. Keep the bottle tightly closed to protect from light and moisture. 

Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away Doxylamine/Pyridoxine safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

What else should I know about Doxylamine/Pyridoxine?

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is a common part of pregnancy for many women. 

Besides medications, there are also other ways to help manage your symptoms, such as eating smaller and more frequent meals, staying well-hydrated, and getting plenty of rest.
For more information on managing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, including other medications and self-care tips, please refer to: Nausea and Vomiting Medications in Pregnancy.