The first few months of pregnancy are a very special and somewhat challenging time for a new mother. Morning sickness, especially nausea and vomiting, is a common problem for many. For some, this can be present not only in the morning, but throughout the day. So, there are many mothers who suffer from this discomfort, unable to eat or drink, and unable to do daily tasks. A very safe and effective medicine that doctors often recommend as a remedy for this condition is the combination of Doxylamine and Vitamin B6. Today, we will talk about this medicine in detail and simply.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
This is actually a combination of two medications. One is Doxylamine . This belongs to a class of medications used for allergies (antihistamines). The other is the well-known vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) . When these two are combined, they block the action of chemicals in your body that cause nausea and vomiting. This is what controls the discomfort you feel.
This medicine is generally accepted worldwide as very safe. However, like any medicine, it should only be used under the advice of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health. So, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell them about them.
- If you have the eye disease glaucoma .
- If you have any liver disease.
- If you have pain, difficulty urinating , or other bladder problems.
- If you have stomach ulcers or other diseases of the digestive system.
- If you have previously had an allergy to Doxylamine, Pyridoxine (vitamin B6), or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Most importantly, if you are a breastfeeding mother, it is essential to talk to your doctor about this, as the ingredients in this medicine can pass to your baby through breast milk.
How to use the medicine correctly?
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
1. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water: Do not break, crush, or chew this tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. This is because these are designed to release the medicine slowly into the body (delayed- or extended-release). Breaking them can disrupt the process.
2. Take on an empty stomach: Taking the medicine on an empty stomach as much as possible helps the body absorb the medicine better.
3. Take it at the right time: Try to take it at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor.
4. Do not stop arbitrarily: Continue taking the medication until your doctor tells you to.
5. If you miss a dose: 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 a double dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with the medication
If you are taking this medicine and are taking other medicines, there may be interactions between them. So tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking. Be especially careful about these:
- Alcohol
- Medicines for coughs, colds, or other allergies (Antihistamines)
- Some medications for mental illness, especially MAOI antidepressants (e.g. Marplan, Nardil)
- Insomnia medication
- Painkillers (especially those that cause intoxication)
- Some medications for Parkinson's disease
- Some medicines for stomach aches (e.g. dicyclomine)
Remember, this list is not exhaustive. It is important to inform your doctor about any vitamins, herbal products, or even traditional medicines you are taking.
Things to consider when taking medication
It's a good idea to pay a little attention to your body while taking this medicine.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This is the most common side effect. You may feel a little drowsy or dizzy after taking this medicine. Therefore, avoid activities that require a lot of concentration, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you. Avoid doing these things when you get up quickly or when you get up from a sitting position, as you may feel dizzy and fall.
- Dry mouth and eyes: Dry mouth is also something that many people experience. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking more water throughout the day can help. If your eyes feel dry, you can ask your doctor about using lubricating eye drops.
- False test results: This is also worth knowing. When taking this medication, there is a possibility that some urine drug tests may show false positive results.
What are the possible side effects?
As with any medication, there are both minor and serious side effects that can occur. Please see the table below for more information.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Sudden changes in the eyes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability to pass urine or difficulty passing urine. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Drowsiness | Feeling sleepy after taking the medicine. |
| Dizziness | Dizziness or a spinning sensation. |
| Dry mouth | The nature of saliva remaining in the mouth. |
| Constipation | Dry stomach. |
| Confusion | Feeling of confusion in the brain (especially in the elderly). |
Take-Home Message
- Doxylamine and Vitamin B6 are very safe and effective medications for nausea during pregnancy, but they should always be used only under the advice of your doctor.
- Before you start taking the medicine, tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and all the medications you are taking.
- Swallow this pill whole, without breaking or crushing it.
- Since drowsiness is a common side effect, be careful when engaging in tasks that require attention after taking the medication.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as allergic symptoms or vision changes, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you suspect an overdose, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Centre or the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න