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Overview: Doxylamine/pyridoxine is used to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy when diet or other changes have not worked. Before taking doxylamine/pyridoxine, make sure to tell your health care provider about any medicines you take. Some prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements can make drowsiness worse and increase your risk of falls or other accidents.

Uses

What is doxylamine/pyridoxine used for?

Doxylamine/pyridoxine is commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (morning sickness) when diet or other changes have not worked.

Doxylamine/pyridoxine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does doxylamine/pyridoxine work (mechanism of action)?

Doxylamine/pyridoxine is a combination medicine. It has doxylamine (an antihistamine) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6). Together, they may work by blocking certain signals in the brain that trigger nausea and vomiting.

How is doxylamine/pyridoxine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Bonjesta
  • Diclegis

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 10 mg/10 mg extended-release oral tablets
  • 20 mg/20 mg extended-release oral tablets

How should I store doxylamine/pyridoxine?

Doxylamine/pyridoxine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place, and protect it from light. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of doxylamine/pyridoxine?

The most common side effect of doxylamine/pyridoxine is drowsiness. Tell your health care provider if this side effect bothers you.

There may be other side effects of doxylamine/pyridoxine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of doxylamine/pyridoxine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of doxylamine/pyridoxine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Doxylamine/pyridoxine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking doxylamine/pyridoxine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use doxylamine/pyridoxine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take doxylamine/pyridoxine.

  • Bonjesta
  • Diclegis
  • Doxylamine
  • Pyridoxine
  • Any other medicine known as an ethanolamine derivative antihistamine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific doxylamine/pyridoxine products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Doxylamine/pyridoxine should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking doxylamine/pyridoxine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about doxylamine/pyridoxine before using it?

Do not take doxylamine/pyridoxine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share doxylamine/pyridoxine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep doxylamine/pyridoxine out of the reach of children.

Do not take doxylamine/pyridoxine on an as-needed basis. This medicine works best when it’s taken regularly as prescribed. 

Do not crush, chew, or break doxylamine/pyridoxine extended-release tablets. Swallow them whole. Talk with your health care provider if you have trouble swallowing them.

Doxylamine/pyridoxine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how doxylamine/pyridoxine affects you.

Talk to your health care provider if you will have a drug screen. This medicine may affect the results. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using doxylamine/pyridoxine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if doxylamine/pyridoxine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Eye problems, such as glaucoma or conditions where the pressure in the eye is increased
  • Stomach or intestinal problems, including blockages
  • Bladder problems, including blockages

Pregnancy. Doxylamine/pyridoxine is to be taken during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Do not take doxylamine/pyridoxine while you are breastfeeding. Doxylamine/pyridoxine can pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does doxylamine/pyridoxine interact with foods or drinks?

Take doxylamine/pyridoxine on an empty stomach with a glass of water. 

Do not drink alcohol. The risk of drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking doxylamine/pyridoxine.

Does doxylamine/pyridoxine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

 In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking doxylamine/pyridoxine.

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • An antihistamine, such as chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is a medicine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms
  • An opioid, such as codeine, fentanyl, morphine, or oxycodone, which is a medicine used to treat certain types of pain
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with doxylamine/pyridoxine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much doxylamine/pyridoxine?

If you or someone else has used too much doxylamine/pyridoxine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of doxylamine/pyridoxine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.