Doxylamine

Doxylamine is the name of the active ingredient, which is used in its salt form as doxylamine succinate. After absorption, the succinate is broken down and metabolized. The active ingredient has been used for many decades and is therefore considered well known.

Effect in the body

Doxylamine is a first-generation antihistamine. It blocks certain histamine receptors and thus has a calming effect on the central nervous system. As a side effect or if taken in too high a dose, it can cause drowsiness.

How does it help with nausea during pregnancy?

Through its effect on the nervous system, doxylamine also influences signaling pathways involved in the development of nausea. This can help to reduce feelings of nausea. During pregnancy, it is used in targeted, low doses and is often taken in the evening, as it can cause drowsiness.

Doxylamine and pyridoxine in combination

During pregnancy, doxylamine succinate is often used in combination with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) because their mechanisms of action complement each other. Possible side effects include fatigue, dry mouth, or drowsiness, usually depending on the dosage. Use should be supervised by a doctor, especially in cases of pre-existing conditions or simultaneous use of other sedative medications.

Sources
  • Koren, Gideon, et al. "Effectiveness of delayed-release doxylamine and pyridoxine for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a randomized placebo controlled trial." American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 203.6 (2010): 571-e1.
  • Madjunkova, Svetlana, Caroline Maltepe, and Gideon Koren. "The delayed-release combination of doxylamine and pyridoxine (Diclegis®/Diclectin®) for the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy." Pediatric Drugs 16.3 (2014): 199-211.
  • Oliveira, Lauren G., et al. "Ondansetron compared with doxylamine and pyridoxine for treatment of nausea in pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial." Obstetrics & Gynecology 124.4 (2014): 735-742.