doxylamine and phenylephrine

What is the most important information I should know about doxylamine and phenylephrine?

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

What is doxylamine and phenylephrine?

Doxylamine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Doxylamine and phenylephrine is a combination medicine used to treat runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Doxylamine and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking doxylamine and phenylephrine?

Do not use doxylamine and phenylephrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• asthma or other breathing disorder such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis;
• high blood pressure, heart disease;
• glaucoma;
• diabetes;
• kidney disease; or
• a thyroid disorder.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take doxylamine and phenylephrine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicines in very young children.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since doxylamine and phenylephrine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking doxylamine and phenylephrine?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

What are the possible side effects of doxylamine and phenylephrine?

• severe dizziness;
• nervousness, trouble sleeping;
• little or no urination; or
• high blood pressure (severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears).

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• constipation;
• blurred vision; or
• feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect doxylamine and phenylephrine?

Avoid using this medicine with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing (such as opioid medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about doxylamine and phenylephrine.