Doxylamine oral suspension

What is this medicine?

DOXYLAMINE (dox IL a meen) is an antihistamine. It is used to treat the itchy eyes and throat, runny nose, and sneezing of allergies.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in vision

• confused, agitated, or nervous

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• muscle or facial twitches

• seizure

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusual bleeding or bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dry mouth

• headache

• loss of appetite

• stomach upset, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• some medicines for allergies, cold, or cough

• medicines that make you sleepy

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• glaucoma

• heart disease

• liver disease

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema

• pain or trouble passing urine

• prostate trouble

• ulcers or other stomach problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to doxylamine, tartrazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. See your doctor right away if you get a high fever or have problems breathing.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.