Doxinate is most often taken medication during pregnancy. More than 80% of pregnant women go through a roller coaster ride of nausea and vomiting most of their first trimester of pregnancy. Its called NVP-nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy or simply morning sickness. Most of the women do not take medications fearing harm to the fetus.
In most cases NVP settles after 10-12 weeks of pregnancy. But few women will have prolonged NVP called Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) till the term and those may suffer from malnutrition, severe dehydration resulting in poor growth of the baby. In this article let’s know about Doxinate, how it can help in NVP, its uses, how safe it is, and a lot more about Doxinate.
What is Doxinate?
Doxinate is a combination of two medications Doxylamine and Pyridoxine. Doxinate is used for treating and managing allergic rhinitis(( running nose, cold-like) and insomnia (sleeplessness). Most predominantly it is used for treating Nausea and vomiting in Pregnancy(NVP).(1)
Is It Safe to Take Doxinate During Pregnancy?
Doxinate is one of the few drugs which is in category A status in the US FDA category for pregnancy. Category A drugs are generally safe for the mother and fetus. There are many
research articles suggesting that Doxinate is very safe in Pregnancy (2) and there is no increased risk of any congenital anomalies for the fetus. It can be taken at any stage of pregnancy.
How To Take Doxinate During Pregnancy?
Tablet Doxinate (doxylamine 10mg/pyridoxine 10mg) is often available as extended-release form or prolonged-release form tablets (Eg. Doxinate 24). These tablets are to be taken with water before bed on an empty stomach or as directed by the physician. Do not crush or make these tablets in half and take them. The prolonged-release actions will not work if you distort the shape of the tablet. The maximum daily limit is four tablets. The dosage will be decided by your doctor depending on the severity.(3)
When Should You Start And Stop Using Doxinate During Pregnancy?
Do not start or stop taking Doxinate on your own. If you have nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) please approach your doctor for the prescription and follow the recommendation. Do not stop Doxinate suddenly during pregnancy it may have withdrawal effects like feeling nausea and vomiting sensation again. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dosage to avoid withdrawal effects. (4)
What are the Side Effects of Taking Doxinate During Pregnancy?
As Doxinate is a combination of doxylamine and pyridoxine the side effects will pertain to both the medications. The most observed side effects are (2a)
- Somnolence (sleepiness)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Hypersensitivity
Women taking cold or cough suppressants, any antidepressants, on alcohol intoxication, opiates, and sleep aids should not take Doxinate. Please inform the doctor for further recommendations. (2b)
Women who have the following conditions should use Doxinate with caution and follow doctor’s advice while using. (2c)
- Asthma
- Having pressure in eyes
- Glaucoma
- Peptic ulcers
- Bladder problems.
Pregnant women should notify doctor if she has any above conditions before using Doxinate
If you have NVP and having trouble in lifestyle and day-to-day activities Doxinate is the right choice of drug. It’s better to use an extended-release or slow-release form of medicine as it gives protection for 24 hrs and it’s safe for mother and baby. Though Doxinate is a combination of two medicines doxylamine (10mg) and pyridoxine (10mg) (Vit B6) the safety profile is attributed to the combination but not to the individual drugs. Pregnant women taking this medication should be clear about the combination and prolonged action formulation for a better safety profile for mother and baby. As it has drowsiness as a side effect please mind when you are driving, taking steps, and in high altitudes. Please make a note of precautions and mention other medications that you are taking with the doctor.
FAQ’s
1. What Is The Effect of Doxinate?
The main effect of Doxinate is it can prevent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The side effect is you may feel drowsiness when you take this medication.
2. Is Doxinate a Folic Acid Tablet?
No Doxinate is not Folic acid. Doxinate plus tablet has a combination of Doxylamine+Pyridoxine+folic acid to treat nausea and vomiting during Pregnancy. Do not substitute it for folic acid.
3. Is Vomiting Harmful During Pregnancy?
Mild to moderate vomitings are well tolerated. If it is severe you may have severe dehydration, weakness, and poor absorption of vitamins in turn affecting the growth of the baby and its nutrition.
References
- Nathan R. Brott; Anil Kumar Reddy Reddivari. University of Tennessee HSC – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551646/
- Nuangchamnong N, Niebyl J. Doxylamine succinate-pyridoxine hydrochloride (Diclegis) for the management of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: an overview – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3990370/
- Madjunkova S, Maltepe C, Koren G. The delayed-release combination of doxylamine and pyridoxine (Diclegis®/Diclectin ®) for the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4030125/
- Svizera Healthcare. Doxinate Tablet FAQ – https://www.doxinate.com/faqs#
