What you need to know about Doxylamine, used for allergies

Do you also get allergies often? Do you start sneezing as soon as you get a little dust or a little cold? Or do your eyes get red and itchy, or do you have a runny nose? Sometimes you even have skin rashes and itches. Allergic conditions like these can be very troublesome in our lives. So, a medicine that doctors give us and that many people use is Doxylamine. Today, let's talk about this medicine and the things to be careful about while using it very simply.

Simply put, what is Doxylamine?

Doxylamine is a medication used to control allergy symptoms. Medically speaking, it belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines.

Imagine, when something we are allergic to enters our body (for example, dust, pollen, certain foods), our body produces a chemical called histamine as a defense response. This histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms we see in an allergy. That is, things like itchy eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose, and skin rashes.

So what this doxylamine medicine does is block the action of histamine. It's like closing a door. Then those annoying allergic symptoms gradually decrease. This medicine can also be used for other medical purposes. Your doctor will explain that to you.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

This is very important. If you have any other medical conditions, it is essential to tell your doctor about them. This medicine may interact with some medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, please tell your doctor before taking this medicine.

• Glaucoma: This means that you have a disease that causes increased pressure in the eye.
• Heart disease: If you have any type of heart disease.
• Liver disease: If you have problems related to liver function.
• Lung or respiratory diseases: If you have long-term respiratory diseases such as asthma.
• Difficulty urinating: If there is pain, difficulty, or delay in urination.
• Prostate problems: Conditions such as enlarged prostate, especially in men.
• Stomach ulcers or other stomach problems: Stomach ulcers or other digestive system diseases.
• Allergy to medications: If you are allergic to doxylamine or any other medicine, food, or preservative.
• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine usually comes in the form of a solution, so be aware of these things.

• Accurate measurement: Use only the specially marked measuring cup or spoon that comes with the medicine bottle. Do not measure with regular teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home. They may not measure accurately and may result in an incorrect dose.
• On time: Take your medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.

Be careful when giving to children.

This medicine can sometimes be prescribed by doctors to children as young as 2 years old. But only under special circumstances. Therefore , never give this medicine to young children without medical advice.

For those over 65 years of age

Older people may feel the effects of this medicine more strongly. Therefore, they are usually prescribed a lower dose. Your doctor will advise you about this as well.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. But you should take immediate action. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What if I 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 to make up for a missed dose.

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

Pay attention to changes in your body while taking this medicine.

• Symptoms: If your allergy symptoms don't improve, or seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor.
• Dry mouth and eyes: This medication may cause a dry mouth. This can be relieved by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water. You may also experience dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience discomfort. Lubricating drops may be used. However, if these problems persist, talk to your doctor.
• Drowsiness and dizziness: This is the main side effect of this type of medication. If you feel drowsy or dizzy, never drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires concentration. Especially if you are elderly, stand up slowly when you get up from a sitting position or when you get out of bed. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall.
• Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and other side effects.

What side effects might I experience?

Like any medicine, doxylamine can have side effects. Not everyone gets them. Let's take a look at what they are.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

Other medications you are taking may interact with doxylamine. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) .

• Alcohol
• MAOIs: These are a type of medication commonly prescribed for mental illnesses such as depression.
• Other allergy, cold, or cough medicines.
• Any other medicine that makes you sleepy.

Doxylamine, Allergic, Allergy, Antihistamine, Drowsiness, Medicine, Health