What is Doxylamine and phenylephrine?
Doxylamine helps counter the harmful effects that histamine can have on your body. Histamine can cause symptoms such as sneezing and itching. It may also cause watery eyes and a runny or irritated nose. Phenylephrine shrinks the blood vessels of the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause congestion in the nasal passages. Combination medicine Doxylamine/phenylephrine treats runny noses, stuffy noses, itchiness, watery eyelids, and sinus congestion due to allergies, the cold, or the flu. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of doxylamine or phenylephrine.
Side effects of Doxylamine and phenylephrine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Doxylamine and phenylephrine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe dizziness;
- Nervousness, trouble sleeping;
- Little or no urination
- High blood pressure (a severe headache or pounding in the neck or ears).
Some of the common side effects that doxylamine or phenylephrine can cause include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Constipation;
- Blurred vision
- Feeling restless or excited, especially in children
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects. Additionally, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report adverse events.
Warnings
If you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days (such as isocarboxazid or linezolid), this medicine should not be used.This medicine is not intended to put a child to sleep.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to phenylephrine or doxylamine, then do not use these drugs. If you've taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days, do not take phenylephrine and doxylamine together. Drug interactions can occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine injection), rasagiline (selegiline), methylene blue injection, and tranylcypromine.
If you suffer from:
- Chronic bronchitis, asthma, or other breathing disorders such as emphysema
- High blood pressure, heart disease
- Glaucoma;
- Diabetes;
- Kidney disease
- A thyroid disorder.
Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant or nursing.
How to take Doxylamine and phenylephrine?
Follow the directions on the label or those prescribed by your physician.Cold and cough medicines should only be taken for as long as needed until symptoms have subsided. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. Follow the directions on the label when giving cough medicine or cold medicine. Never use cough and cold medicine to put a child to sleep. If your symptoms don't improve within 7 days or you experience a headache with a fever, skin rash, cough, or skin rash, call your doctor. Tell your doctor or surgeon, if you've taken this medication within the last few days, if you are going to need medical testing or surgery. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a schedule for doxylamine or phenylephrine because they are used as needed. If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how phenylephrine and doxylamine will affect you. Your reaction time could be affected. Before using any other cold or cough medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist if they contain similar ingredients. Alcohol can enhance certain side effects caused by doxylamine.
Interaction with other drug
Avoid taking this medication with drugs that slow breathing or cause drowsiness (such as muscle relaxers, opioids, and medicines for anxiety or seizures). Before taking any other medications, including vitamins, herbal products, prescription medicines, or over-the-counter medicines, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions with other drugs.
