Do you often get allergies ? Are your eyes red and itchy, do you sneeze constantly, have a runny nose , or do you itch all over your body? In times like these, a doctor may prescribe a medication called Doxylamine. It often comes in the form of a chewable tablet. So today, let's talk about what this medication is, how exactly it is used, and what things we need to be careful about when taking this medication.
What kind of medicine is Doxylamine?
Simply put, when you have an allergy, your body releases a chemical called histamine . It's this chemical that makes our eyes red, itchy, sneeze, and itch. This medicine called Doxylamine blocks the action of histamine. As a result, the symptoms of the allergy gradually decrease. We call these types of medicines antihistamines .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions . This medicine may not be compatible with some medical conditions. Especially if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to inform your doctor before starting this medicine.
| Do you have these conditions? |
|---|
| Glaucoma is a disease of increased pressure in the eyes. |
| Any type of heart disease . |
| Liver diseases . |
| Lung diseases (such as asthma or emphysema). |
| Pain or discomfort during urination . |
| Prostate diseases. |
| Stomach or intestinal ulcers or other problems. |
| If you are allergic to doxylamine or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant . |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother . |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Since this is a chewable tablet, you need to be especially careful about how you use it.
- Chew well: This tablet should be placed in your mouth and chewed well until it is completely crushed. Alternatively, crush it well and drink it with a glass of water. Never swallow the tablet whole.
- Follow your doctor's instructions: Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
- When giving to young children: Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to children. Therefore, talk to your doctor about it and get advice.
- If you are over 65 years old: The effects of this drug may be slightly greater in older people, so they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This is very important.
Also remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What other things can interact with this medicine?
Some things can interact with this medicine and increase side effects . So be aware of the following things.
- Alcohol
- MAOIs (a type of medication used to treat conditions such as depression )
- Some other medicines for allergies, colds , or coughs
- Any other medicine that makes you sleepy (e.g. some painkillers , sleeping pills)
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to consider when taking medication
If your symptoms don't improve, or if they get worse, tell your doctor. In addition, keep these things in mind.
- Drowsiness: This medication may make you feel sleepy, have trouble concentrating, or feel dizzy . So , don't do anything dangerous like driving or operating machinery until you know how you feel after taking it.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is common with this medication. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on unsweetened candy, and drinking more water may help. If this problem persists, talk to your doctor.
- Dry eyes: Your eyes may become dry and your vision may be slightly blurred. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience some discomfort. If necessary, you can use lubricating drops as directed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Doxylamine can cause side effects in some people. Some of them can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Vision changes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights, loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Difficulty urinating or not urinating at all. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Confusion | Dizziness |
| Constipation | Drowsiness |
| Dry mouth | |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms that are not on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How should you store the medicine?
- Keep away from children: This is the most important thing. Always keep medicines out of the reach of children.
- Suitable temperature: Store at room temperature, away from sunlight and excessive heat. Do not refrigerate.
- After expiration: Discard any medication that has passed its expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Doxylamine is a medicine used to treat allergies. It usually comes as a chewable tablet . Do not swallow the tablet whole, chew it well or crush it.
- This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness . Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving, while taking this medicine.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and all other medications you are taking.
- If you overdose, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately or call the National Poisons Information Center .
- If you experience severe side effects such as facial swelling, vision changes, or difficulty urinating, seek medical advice immediately.
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