MOTION SICKNESS - OTC ANTI-HISTAMINES Flashcards
Which antihistamines are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved nonprescription agents for the prevention of motion sickness symptoms?
Meclizine, dimenhydrinate, and diphenhydramine are FDA-approved nonprescription agents for the prevention of nausea, vomiting, or dizziness associated with motion sickness.
Are second-generation antihistamines effective for treating motion sickness?
No, second-generation antihistamines are ineffective for treating motion sickness.
What antihistamine has been used off-label for the treatment of nausea?
Doxylamine has been used off-label for the treatment of nausea.
What does American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG recommend as first-line pharmacotherapy for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP)?
ACOG recommends pyridoxine with or without doxylamine as first-line pharmacotherapy for NVP. Using doxylamine and pyridoxine preemptively may reduce the recurrence of symptoms.
What is important to note about pyridoxine in breastfeeding mothers?
Pyridoxine is excreted in breast milk. Extremely high doses (600 mg/day) may inhibit prolactin secretion.
Which antihistamines have been shown to be effective in controlling NVP without an association with the development of birth defects?
Dimenhydrinate and diphenhydramine have been shown to be effective in controlling NVP, with no association with the development of birth defects.
Should nursing mothers use antihistamines for NVP?
Nursing mothers should not use antihistamines for NVP as they may adversely affect milk supply.
What should lactating women consider when using bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) for NVP?
Less than 1% of the maternal dose of bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) is absorbed by the infant. Alternatives to BSS are preferred for lactating women.
What is the evidence supporting the safety of ginger use by lactating women for NVP?
Little evidence is available to support the safety of ginger use by lactating women for NVP.
What precautions should patients take when using antihistamines?
Patients should avoid concomitant use of antihistamines with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as alcohol, hypnotics, and sedatives, as drowsiness may impair the ability to drive safely or operate heavy machinery.
Worsening Patients with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia symptoms
Increase IPO glaucoma
What are some other adverse effects of nonprescription antihistamines?
Other adverse effects of nonprescription antihistamines include dry mouth, blurry vision, confusion, dizziness, tremors, constipation, and drowsiness.
How does meclizine compare to dimenhydrinate in terms of sedation and duration of action?
Meclizine may be less sedating and longer acting than dimenhydrinate. Taken as needed Q24H where as dimenhydrinate Q4-6H
When should oral medications for motion sickness be taken?
Oral medications must be taken 30-60 minutes prior to the needed effect.
How do dimenhydrinate and meclizine compare to other antihistamines in terms of sedation?
Dimenhydrinate and meclizine are a little less sedating than other antihistamines.
