Morning sickness is a real medical condition and if left untreated, symptoms can get worse leading to weight loss and dehydration which may require hospitalization. If diet and lifestyle changes have not helped get the symptoms under control, ask the doctor if diclegis is right. Let’s discuss more about usage of Diclegis in pregnancy.
Diclegis is now the only FDA-approved drug used in the treatment for nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy, providing a therapeutic option for pregnant women seeking relief from these symptoms.
All You Need to Know About Taking Diclegis During Pregnancy
What Is Diclegis?
Diclegis is a delayed-release tablet that contains a combination of doxylamine and pyridoxine. Doxylamine is an antihistamine that reduces the effect of the natural chemical histamine in the body and pyridoxine is a form of vitamin B6. It is used to treat nausea vomiting during pregnancy, sometimes known as morning sickness.
The dose recommended is to take two tablets at bedtime but can take up to four tablets daily – once in the morning, once mid-afternoon and twice at bedtime.
Is Diclegis Safe While Pregnant?
Diclegis is safe for the mother and the baby.
- It is one of the most studied in pregnancy.
- It has a 60+ year record of safety for mother and baby.
- It has been used by over 35 million women worldwide to treat morning sickness.
- It is recommended by both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) when diet and lifestyle changes don’t work.
What Are The Side Effects Of Diclegis?
The most common side effect of diclegis is drowsiness. Other side effects are –
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Fast heart rate
- Vertigo
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Malaise
- Numbness and tingling
- Anxiety
- Difficulty urinating
- Itching
- Rash
It is not safe and effective in women with severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. Women with this condition may need to be hospitalized as soon as possible.
FAQs
Is Diclegis Safe In The First Trimester?
Yes, diclegis is safe in the first trimester. Studies have shown that it presents no increased risk to an unborn baby, even when taken in the first trimester and its combination of ingredients.
Will Diclegis Help With Stomach Virus?
Yes, diclegis help with a stomach virus. It is the only medication specifically approved to treat the stomach upset women suffer from during pregnancy.
What Pregnancy Category Is Diclegis?
Diclegis belongs to FDA pregnancy category: A.
Does Diclegis Cause Birth Defects?
There’s no evidence that diclegis produces birth defects but some concerns do remain about its safety.
Important Safety Information On Diclegis
Diclegis is intended for use in pregnant women and not known to be safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.
Do not take diclegis if –
- Allergic to doxylamine succinate, other ethanolamine derivate antihistamines, pyridoxine hydrochloride or any of the ingredients used in diclegis. Make sure to refer to the patient information leaflet for the complete list of ingredients.
- Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Ask the doctor or pharmacist if not sure about taking an MAOI including Marplan, Nardil, Emsam, Eldepryl, Zelapar, and Parnate.
Before taking diclegis, tell the doctor about the medical conditions which include –
- Asthma
- Eye problems such as increased intraocular pressure or narrow-angle glaucoma
- Stomach problems such as stenosing peptic ulcer or pyloroduodenal obstruction
- Bladder problem called urinary bladder-neck obstruction
- Breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Diclegis can pass into breast milk and may harm the baby. Should not breastfeed while using diclegis.
Tell the doctor about all the medicines including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
How Should Diclegis Be Taken?
- Talk to the doctor about how much diclegis to be taken and when to take it.
- Take diclegis every day as prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop taking diclegis without talking to the doctor.
- Do not take more than 4 tablets in 1 day and take on an empty stomach with a glass of water.
- Take diclegis tablets whole.
If too much diclegis (overdose) is taken, the following symptoms are – restlessness, dry mouth, the pupils of the eyes become larger (dilated), sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, fast heart rate, seizures, muscle pain or weakness and also sudden and severe kidney problems. If the symptoms are severe, they may lead to death. Stop taking diclegis, call the doctor or go to the nearest hospital.
Conclusion
Diclegis is used to treat morning sickness during pregnancy. It is considered safe and effective but if any side effects are seen, then talk to the doctor.
References –
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4030125/
- ttps://www.diclegis.com/en/what-is-diclegis
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/doxylamine-and-pyridoxine.html
