.
Combination drugs: Nyquil®, Nyquil® Hot Therapy Powder
Doxylamine is an antihistamine used for short-term treatment of insomnia. Doxylamine is available alone in a nonprescription product for sleep and in combination with nonprescription drugs to treat symptoms of allergy, colds, and upper respiratory infections.
Interactions with Herbs
Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
Antihistamines, including doxylamine, can cause “anticholinergic” side effects
such as dryness of mouth and heart palpitations. Henbane also has anticholinergic activity and
side effects. Therefore, use with doxylamine could increase the risk of anticholinergic side
effects;1 however, apparently no interactions have yet been reported with
doxylamine and henbane. Henbane should not be taken except by prescription from a physician
trained in its use, as it is extremely toxic.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Alcohol
Doxylamine causes drowsiness.2 Alcohol may intensify this effect and increase the
risk of accidental injury.3 To prevent problems, people taking doxylamine or
doxylamine-containing products should avoid alcohol.
Summary of Interactions for Doxylamine
| Depletion or interference | None known |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | Henbane* |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
References:
1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council, 1998, 146.
2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Nonprescription Sleep Aids. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Dec 1993, 273e.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Nonprescription Sleep Aids. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO, Facts and Comparisons, Dec 1993, 273e.
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