Doxylamine

Doxylamine is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that is used as a nighttime sleep aid or to treat insomnia, as well as treatment for upper respiratory tract allergies. It helps reduce difficulty in falling asleep.

• Doxylamine is available under the following different brand names: Unisom.

Dosage of Doxylamine:

Tablets

• 25 mg

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Insomnia

Adults and Children over 12 years old:

• 25 mg orally every evening as needed 30 minutes before bedtime

Not recommended for use in children under 12 years old

Upper Respiratory Tract Allergy

Adults

• 50 mg orally every 4-6 hours

Geriatric

• Avoid use in the elderly because of the high incidence of anticholinergic effects
• Clearance reduced with advanced age, greater risk of confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and other anticholinergic effects and toxicity
• May exacerbate existing lower urinary conditions or benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Tolerance develops when used as hypnotic

Side effects of doxylamine include:

• minor anticholinergic effects
  • dry mouth,
  • blurred vision,
  • constipation,
  • dizziness,
  • decreased sweating,
  • difficulty urinating

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Doxylamine has no known severe interactions with other drugs.
• Serious interactions of doxylamine include:
  • fentanyl
  • fentanyl intranasal
  • fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system
  • fentanyl transdermal
  • fentanyl transmucosal
  • isocarboxazid
  • sodium oxybate
  • tranylcypromine
  • valerian
• Doxylamine has moderate interactions with at least 162 different drugs.
• Mild interactions of doxylamine include:
  • ashwagandha
  • brimonidine
  • eucalyptus
  • nettle
  • sage
  • Siberian ginseng

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns, or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

Do not exceed 2 weeks of use.

This medication contains doxylamine. Do not take Unisom if you are allergic to doxylamine or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Doxylamine?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Doxylamine?"

Cautions

• May cause central nervous system depression, which may impair physical and mental activities
• Not to exceed 2 weeks of use
• Caution in asthma, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, or thyroid dysfunction
• Avoid use in the elderly because of the high incidence of anticholinergic effects
• Clearance reduced with advanced age, greater risk of confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and other anticholinergic effects and toxicity
• May exacerbate existing lower urinary conditions or benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Tolerance develops when used as hypnotic

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Doxylamine use during pregnancy may be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies are not available or animal studies showed minor risk and human studies were done and showed no risk
• Doxylamine excretion in breast milk is unknown. Consult your physician