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DOXYLAMINE: 4,401 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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4,401
Total FAERS Reports
1,161 (26.4%)
Deaths Reported
619
Hospitalizations
4,401
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
163
Life-Threatening
9
Disabilities
Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982
FDA Approved
American Sales Company
Manufacturer
Discontinued
Status
Yes
Generic Available

Active Ingredient: DOXYLAMINE SUCCINATE · Drug Class: Antihistamine [EPC] · Route: ORAL · Manufacturer: American Sales Company · FDA Application: 006412 · HUMAN OTC DRUG · FDA Label: Available

First Report: 1999 · Latest Report: 20250608

What Are the Most Common DOXYLAMINE Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Drug ineffective
889 reports (20.2%)
#2 Most Reported
Toxicity to various agents
574 reports (13.0%)
#3 Most Reported
Somnolence
435 reports (9.9%)

All DOXYLAMINE Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Drug ineffective 889 20.2% 2 52
Toxicity to various agents 574 13.0% 466 125
Somnolence 435 9.9% 7 60
Drug abuse 427 9.7% 335 40
Completed suicide 298 6.8% 296 60
Death 192 4.4% 192 9
Overdose 179 4.1% 55 49
Underdose 171 3.9% 0 1
Maternal exposure during pregnancy 169 3.8% 0 43
Incorrect dose administered 122 2.8% 2 0
Exposure during pregnancy 117 2.7% 0 41
Fatigue 116 2.6% 1 0
Intentional overdose 110 2.5% 23 76
Insomnia 102 2.3% 1 9
Feeling abnormal 98 2.2% 0 0
Coma 93 2.1% 1 70
Intentional product misuse 93 2.1% 51 13
Off label use 83 1.9% 1 31
Dizziness 81 1.8% 1 3
Therapeutic product effect decreased 79 1.8% 0 0

Who Reports DOXYLAMINE Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 62.4% female, 37.6% male. Average age: 44.6 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is DOXYLAMINE Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2001 1 1 1
2003 1 0 0
2004 1 0 0
2007 2 1 0
2008 5 4 0
2009 6 2 2
2010 9 4 4
2011 7 5 2
2012 70 62 5
2013 52 41 1
2014 47 12 9
2015 61 13 6
2016 131 19 30
2017 163 23 28
2018 185 17 57
2019 270 28 36
2020 455 63 23
2021 451 25 37
2022 158 39 30
2023 195 17 23
2024 83 13 25
2025 27 0 18

View full timeline →

What Is DOXYLAMINE Used For?

IndicationReports
Product used for unknown indication 1,874
Insomnia 1,056
Sleep disorder 111
Morning sickness 95
Nausea 69
Suicide attempt 63
Initial insomnia 42
Drug abuse 37
Toxicity to various agents 35
Accidental exposure to product by child 27

DOXYLAMINE vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

DOXYLAMINE vs DOXYLAMINE\PYRIDOXINE DOXYLAMINE vs DRONABINOL DOXYLAMINE vs DRONEDARONE DOXYLAMINE vs DROPERIDOL DOXYLAMINE vs DROSPIRENONE DOXYLAMINE vs DROSPIRENONE\ESTETROL DOXYLAMINE vs DROSPIRENONE\ESTRADIOL DOXYLAMINE vs DROSPIRENONE\ETHINYL ESTRADIOL DOXYLAMINE vs DROSPIRENONE\ETHINYL ESTRADIOL\LEVOMEFOLATE DOXYLAMINE vs DROTAVERINE

Other Drugs in Same Class: Antihistamine [EPC]

Official FDA Label for DOXYLAMINE

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

BONJESTA extended-release tablets consist of an enteric-coated core containing 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride, and an immediate release coating of 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride. BONJESTA tablets are round, pink, film-coated, multilayer, extended-release tablets containing a total of 20 mg doxylamine succinate and 20 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride. Tablets are imprinted on one side with the pink image of a pregnant woman and a “D” on the other side. Inactive ingredients are as follows: ammonium hydroxide, n-butanol, carnauba wax powder, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, D&C Red#27 aluminum lake, denatured alcohol, ferrosoferric oxide, FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake, hypromellose, iron oxide red, isopropyl alcohol, magnesium stearate, magnesium trisilicate, methacrylic acid copolymer, microcrystalline cellulose 102, PEG 3350, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, simethicone, sodium bicarbonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, titanium dioxide, triethyl citrate. BONJESTA is certified Kosher, Kosher for Passover and Halal .

Doxylamine Succinate

Doxylamine succinate is classified as an antihistamine. The chemical name for doxylamine succinate is ethanamine, N,N-dimethyl-2-[1-phenyl-1-(2-pyridinyl)ethoxy]-, butanedioate (1:1). The empirical formula is C 17 H 22 N 2 O

  • C 4 H 6 O 4 and the molecular mass is 388.46. The structural formula is: Doxylamine succinate is a white to creamy white powder that is very soluble in water and alcohol, freely soluble in chloroform and very slightly soluble in ether and benzene.

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a vitamin B 6 analog. The chemical name for pyridoxine hydrochloride is 3,4-pyridinedimethanol, 5-hydroxy-6-methyl-, hydrochloride. The empirical formula is C 8 H 11 NO 3

  • HCl and the molecular mass is 205.64. The structural formula is: Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a white or practically white crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol and insoluble in ether. structure-1 structure-2 Kosher Symbol Halal Symbol

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

AND USAGE Doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride delayed-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in women who do not respond to conservative management. Limitations of Use: Doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride delayed-release tablets have not been studied in women with hyperemesis gravidarum. Doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride delayed-release tablets are a fixed dose combination drug product of doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine, and pyridoxine hydrochloride, a Vitamin B6 analog, indicated for the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in women who do not respond to conservative management. ( 1 )

Dosage & Administration

AND ADMINISTRATION Take two tablets daily at bedtime. If symptoms are not adequately controlled, the dose can be increased to a maximum recommended dose of four tablets daily (one in the morning, one mid-afternoon and two at bedtime) as described in the full prescribing information. (2)

2.1 Dosage Information Initially, take two doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride delayed-release tablets orally at bedtime (Day 1). If this dose adequately controls symptoms the next day, continue taking two tablets daily at bedtime. However, if symptoms persist into the afternoon of Day 2, take the usual dose of two tablets at bedtime that night then take three tablets starting on Day 3 (one tablet in the morning and two tablets at bedtime). If these three tablets adequately control symptoms on Day 4, continue taking three tablets daily. Otherwise take four tablets starting on Day 4 (one tablet in the morning, one tablet mid-afternoon and two tablets at bedtime). The maximum recommended dose is four tablets (one in the morning, one in the mid-afternoon and two at bedtime) daily. Take on an empty stomach with a glass of water <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]</span>. Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or split doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride delayed-release tablets. Take as a daily prescription and not on an as needed basis. Reassess the woman for continued need for doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride delayed-release tablets as her pregnancy progresses.

2.1 Dosage Information Initially, take two doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride delayed-release tablets orally at bedtime (Day 1). If this dose adequately controls symptoms the next day, continue taking two tablets daily at bedtime. However, if symptoms persist into the afternoon of Day 2, take the usual dose of two tablets at bedtime that night then take three tablets starting on Day 3 (one tablet in the morning and two tablets at bedtime). If these three tablets adequately control symptoms on Day 4, continue taking three tablets daily. Otherwise take four tablets starting on Day 4 (one tablet in the morning, one tablet mid-afternoon and two tablets at bedtime). The maximum recommended dose is four tablets (one in the morning, one in the mid-afternoon and two at bedtime) daily. Take on an empty stomach with a glass of water <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]</span>. Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or split doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride delayed-release tablets. Take as a daily prescription and not on an as needed basis. Reassess the woman for continued need for doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride delayed-release tablets as her pregnancy progresses.

Contraindications

Doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride delayed-release tablets are contraindicated in women with any of the following conditions:

  • Known hypersensitivity to doxylamine succinate, other ethanolamine derivative antihistamines, pyridoxine hydrochloride or any inactive ingredient in the formulation
  • Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors intensify and prolong the adverse central nervous system effects of doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride delayed-release tablets [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] .
  • Known hypersensitivity to doxylamine succinate, other ethanolamine derivative antihistamines, pyridoxine hydrochloride or any inactive ingredient in the formulation. ( 4 )
  • Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. ( 4 , 7 )

Known Adverse Reactions

REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Falls or other accidents resulting from the effect of the combined use of doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride with CNS depressants including alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] The most common adverse reaction with doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride (≥5 percent and exceeding the rate in placebo) is somnolence. (6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Par Pharmaceutical at 1-800-828-9393 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety and efficacy of doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride were compared to placebo in a double-blind, randomized, multi-center trial in 261 women with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. The mean gestational age at enrollment was 9.3 weeks, range 7 to 14 weeks gestation <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies (14)]</span> . Adverse reactions for doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride that occurred at an incidence ≥5 percent and exceeded the incidence for placebo are summarized in Table 1.

Table

1: Number (Percent) of Subjects with ≥ 5 Percent Adverse Reactions in a 15-Day Placebo-Controlled Study of Doxylamine Succinate and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Only Those Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence ≥ 5 Percent and at a Higher Incidence with Doxylamine Succinate and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride than Placebo are Shown)

Doxylamine

Succinate and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (N = 133) Placebo (n = 128)

Somnolence

19 (14.3%) 15 (11.7%)

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse events, listed alphabetically, have been identified during post-approval use of the combination of 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure . Cardiac disorders : dyspnea, palpitation, tachycardia Ear and labyrinth disorders : vertigo Eye disorders : vision blurred, visual disturbances Gastrointestinal disorders : abdominal distension, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea General disorders and administration site conditions : chest discomfort, fatigue, irritability, malaise Immune system disorders : hypersensitivity Nervous system disorders : dizziness, headache, migraines, paresthesia, psychomotor hyperactivity Psychiatric disorders : anxiety, disorientation, insomnia, nightmares Renal and urinary disorders : dysuria, urinary retention Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders : hyperhidrosis, pruritus, rash, rash maculo-papular

6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety and efficacy of doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride were compared to placebo in a double-blind, randomized, multi-center trial in 261 women with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. The mean gestational age at enrollment was 9.3 weeks, range 7 to 14 weeks gestation <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies (14)]</span> . Adverse reactions for doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride that occurred at an incidence ≥5 percent and exceeded the incidence for placebo are summarized in Table 1.

Table

1: Number (Percent) of Subjects with ≥ 5 Percent Adverse Reactions in a 15-Day Placebo-Controlled Study of Doxylamine Succinate and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Only Those Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence ≥ 5 Percent and at a Higher Incidence with Doxylamine Succinate and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride than Placebo are Shown)

Doxylamine

Succinate and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (N = 133) Placebo (n = 128)

Somnolence

19 (14.3%) 15 (11.7%)

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse events, listed alphabetically, have been identified during post-approval use of the combination of 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure . Cardiac disorders : dyspnea, palpitation, tachycardia Ear and labyrinth disorders : vertigo Eye disorders : vision blurred, visual disturbances Gastrointestinal disorders : abdominal distension, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea General disorders and administration site conditions : chest discomfort, fatigue, irritability, malaise Immune system disorders : hypersensitivity Nervous system disorders : dizziness, headache, migraines, paresthesia, psychomotor hyperactivity Psychiatric disorders : anxiety, disorientation, insomnia, nightmares Renal and urinary disorders : dysuria, urinary retention Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders : hyperhidrosis, pruritus, rash, rash maculo-papular

Warnings

5.

Warnings And Precautions

Activities requiring mental alertness: Avoid engaging in activities requiring complete mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, while using doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride until cleared to do so by a healthcare provider (5.1) Central nervous system (CNS) depressants: Concurrent use with alcohol or other CNS depressants is not recommended (5.1) Anticholinergic actions: Use with caution in patients with asthma, increased intraocular pressure, narrow angle glaucoma, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction and urinary bladder-neck obstruction (5.2) Interference with urine drug screen: Doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride may interfere with urine screening for methadone, opiates and PCP (5.3)

5.1 Activities Requiring Mental Alertness Doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride may cause somnolence due to the anticholinergic properties of doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine. Women should avoid engaging in activities requiring complete mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, while using doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride until cleared to do so by their healthcare provider. Doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride use is not recommended if a woman is concurrently using central nervous system (CNS) depressants including alcohol. The combination may result in severe drowsiness leading to falls or accidents <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions (7.1)]</span> .

5.2 Concomitant Medical Conditions Doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride has anticholinergic properties and, therefore, should be used with caution in women with: asthma, increased intraocular pressure, narrow angle glaucoma, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction and urinary bladder-neck obstruction.

5.3 Interference with Urine Screen for Methadone, Opiates and Phencyclidine Phosphate (PCP) There have been reports of false positive urine screening tests for methadone, opiates, and PCP with doxylamine succinate/pyridoxine hydrochloride use <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions (7.3)]</span>.

5.1 Activities Requiring Mental Alertness Doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride may cause somnolence due to the anticholinergic properties of doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine. Women should avoid engaging in activities requiring complete mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, while using doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride until cleared to do so by their healthcare provider. Doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride use is not recommended if a woman is concurrently using central nervous system (CNS) depressants including alcohol. The combination may result in severe drowsiness leading to falls or accidents <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions (7.1)]</span> .

5.2 Concomitant Medical Conditions Doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride has anticholinergic properties and, therefore, should be used with caution in women with: asthma, increased intraocular pressure, narrow angle glaucoma, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction and urinary bladder-neck obstruction.

5.3 Interference with Urine Screen for Methadone, Opiates and Phencyclidine Phosphate (PCP) There have been reports of false positive urine screening tests for methadone, opiates, and PCP with doxylamine succinate/pyridoxine hydrochloride use <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions (7.3)]</span>.

Drug Interactions

7.

Drug Interactions

Severe drowsiness can occur when used in combination with alcohol or other sedating medications. (7)

7.1 Drug Interactions Use of doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride is contraindicated in women who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which prolong and intensify the anticholinergic (drying) effects of antihistamines. Concurrent use of alcohol and other CNS depressants (such as hypnotic sedatives and tranquilizers) with doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride is not recommended.

7.2 Drug-Food Interactions A food-effect study demonstrated that the delay in the onset of action of doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride may be further delayed, and a reduction in absorption may occur when tablets are taken with food <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]</span> . Therefore, doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride should be taken on an empty stomach with a glass of water <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2)]</span>.

7.3 False Positive Urine Tests for Methadone, Opiates and PCP False positive drug screens for methadone, opiates, and PCP can occur with doxylamine succinate/pyridoxine hydrochloride use. Confirmatory tests, such as Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), should be used to confirm the identity of the substance in the event of a positive immunoassay result.

7.1 Drug Interactions Use of doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride is contraindicated in women who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which prolong and intensify the anticholinergic (drying) effects of antihistamines. Concurrent use of alcohol and other CNS depressants (such as hypnotic sedatives and tranquilizers) with doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride is not recommended.

7.2 Drug-Food Interactions A food-effect study demonstrated that the delay in the onset of action of doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride may be further delayed, and a reduction in absorption may occur when tablets are taken with food <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]</span> . Therefore, doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride should be taken on an empty stomach with a glass of water <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2)]</span>.

7.3 False Positive Urine Tests for Methadone, Opiates and PCP False positive drug screens for methadone, opiates, and PCP can occur with doxylamine succinate/pyridoxine hydrochloride use. Confirmatory tests, such as Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), should be used to confirm the identity of the substance in the event of a positive immunoassay result.

Active Ingredient

Active ingredients (in each tablet)

Doxylamine Succinate

10.5mg

Active ingredients (in each tablet) Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg

Inactive Ingredients

Inactive ingredients anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, arabic gum, artificial flavor, carmine, dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, FD&C blue no. 2 aluminum lake, magnesium stearate, maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, modified food starch, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium starch glycolate, sucralose, talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin