Doxylamine

Identification

Summary

Doxylamine is an antihistamine used to treat insomnia and allergy symptoms and is used with pyridoxine in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Brand Names
Bonjesta, Dalmacol, Dayquil Sinex, Diclectin, Diclegis, Mersyndol, Nyquil Cough, Poly Hist Forte Reformulated Nov 2013, Robafen DM, Robitussin Nighttime Cough DM, Safetussin PM, Unisom, Wal-som (doxylamine)
Generic Name
Doxylamine
DrugBank Accession Number
DB00366
Background

Histamine H1 antagonist with pronounced sedative properties. It is used in allergies and as an antitussive, antiemetic, and hypnotic. Doxylamine has also been administered in veterinary applications and was formerly used in parkinsonism.

Type
Small Molecule
Groups
Approved, Vet approved
Structure
Weight
Average: 270.3694
Monoisotopic: 270.173213336
Chemical Formula
C17H22N2O
Synonyms
  • 2-(alpha-(2-(Dimethylamino)ethoxy)-alpha-methylbenzyl)pyridine
  • 2-Dimethylaminoethoxyphenylmethyl-2-picoline
  • Dossilamina
  • Doxilamina
  • Doxilminio
  • Doxylamine
  • Doxylaminum
  • N,N-Dimethyl-2-(1-phenyl-1-(2-pyridinyl)ethoxy)ethanamine
  • Phenyl-2-pyridylmethyl-beta-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl ether

Pharmacology

Indication

Used alone as a short-term sleep aid, in combination with other drugs as a night-time cold and allergy relief drug. Also used in combination with Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to prevent morning sickness in pregnant women.

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Associated Conditions
Indication TypeIndicationCombined Product DetailsApproval LevelAge GroupPatient CharacteristicsDose Form
Used in combination for symptomatic treatment ofCommon cold••••••••••••
Used in combination for symptomatic treatment ofFlu symptoms••••••••••••
Treatment ofInsomnia••••••••••••••••••
Treatment ofMild allergic rhinitis••••••••••••••••••••• •••••
Used in combination for symptomatic treatment ofNauseaCombination Product in combination with: Pyridoxine (DB00165)••••••••••••
Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
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Pharmacodynamics

Doxylamine is an antihistamine commonly used as a sleep aid. This drug is also used to relieve symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis), hives (rash or itching), and other allergic reactions. Doxylamine is a member of the ethanolamine class of antihistamines and has anti-allergy power far superior to virtually every other antihistamine on the market, with the exception of diphenhydramine (Benadryl). It is also the most powerful over-the-counter sedative available in the United States, and more sedating than many prescription hypnotics. In a study, it was found to be superior to even the barbiturate, phenobarbital for use as a sedative. Doxylamine is also a potent anticholinergic.

Mechanism of action

Like other antihistamines, doxylamine acts by competitively inhibiting histamine at H1 receptors. It also has substantial sedative and anticholinergic effects.

TargetActionsOrganism
AHistamine H1 receptor
antagonist
Humans
UNuclear receptor subfamily 1 group I member 3Not AvailableHumans
UMuscarinic acetylcholine receptor
antagonist
Humans
Absorption

Readily absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract.

Volume of distribution

Not Available

Protein binding

Not Available

Metabolism

Hepatic.

Route of elimination

Not Available

Half-life

10 hours

Clearance

Not Available

Adverse Effects
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Toxicity

Signs of overdose include wheezing, tightness in the chest, fever, itching, bad cough, blue skin color, fits, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Pathways
PathwayCategory
Doxylamine H1-Antihistamine ActionDrug action
Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs
Not Available

Interactions

Drug Interactions
This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
DrugInteraction
1,2-BenzodiazepineDoxylamine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of 1,2-Benzodiazepine.
AcetazolamideDoxylamine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Acetazolamide.
AcetophenazineDoxylamine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Acetophenazine.
AclidiniumThe risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Doxylamine is combined with Aclidinium.
AcrivastineThe risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Doxylamine is combined with Acrivastine.
Food Interactions
  • Avoid alcohol. Co-administration may increase drowsiness and fall risk.

Products

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Product Ingredients
IngredientUNIICASInChI Key
Doxylamine succinateV9BI9B5YI2562-10-7KBAUFVUYFNWQFM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Product Images
Over the Counter Products
NameDosageStrengthRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
7 Select Sleep AidTablet25 mg/1Oral7-Eleven2014-08-052022-02-28US flag
Aldex ANTablet, chewable5 mg/1OralPernix Therapeutics2010-01-202012-10-31US flag
Basic Care Sleep AidTablet25 mg/1OralAmazon.com Services LLC2020-06-02Not applicableUS flag
Basic Care Sleep AidTablet25 mg/1OralL. Perrigo Company2018-03-06Not applicableUS flag
Berkley and Jensen Sleep AidTablet25 mg/1OralBJWC2018-08-06Not applicableUS flag
Mixture Products
NameIngredientsDosageRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
7 Select Night Time ReliefDoxylamine succinate (6.25 mg/1) + Acetaminophen (325 mg/1) + Dextromethorphan hydrobromide monohydrate (15 mg/1)Capsule, liquid filledOral7-Eleven2014-04-172020-07-31US flag
7 Select Night Time ReliefDoxylamine succinate (12.5 mg/30mL) + Acetaminophen (650 mg/30mL) + Dextromethorphan hydrobromide monohydrate (30 mg/30mL)SolutionOral7-Eleven2014-08-052021-03-31US flag
Acetaminophen Dextromethorphan HBr Doxylamine succinate Phenylephrine HClDoxylamine succinate (6.25 mg/1) + Acetaminophen (325 mg/1) + Dextromethorphan hydrobromide monohydrate (10 mg/1) + Phenylephrine hydrochloride (5 mg/1)Capsule, liquid filledOralCVS Health2017-11-30Not applicableUS flag
Acetaminophen Dextromethorphan HBr Doxylamine succinate Phenylephrine HClDoxylamine succinate (6.25 mg/1) + Acetaminophen (325 mg/1) + Dextromethorphan hydrobromide monohydrate (10 mg/1) + Phenylephrine hydrochloride (5 mg/1)Capsule, liquid filledOralCvs Pharmacy,inc2017-07-07Not applicableUS flag
ACETAMINOPHEN DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROBROMIDE and DOXYLAMINE SUCCINATEDoxylamine succinate (6.25 mg/1) + Acetaminophen (325 mg/1) + Dextromethorphan hydrobromide monohydrate (15 mg/1)Capsule, liquid filledOralJ.P. BUSINESS ENTERPRISE2014-12-01Not applicableUS flag
Unapproved/Other Products
NameIngredientsDosageRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Poly Hist ForteDoxylamine succinate (10.5 mg/1) + Phenylephrine hydrochloride (10 mg/1)TabletOralPoly Pharmaceuticals, Inc.2019-06-01Not applicableUS flag
Rotosxika Sleep Aid PatchDoxylamine succinate (5 g/100g) + Camphor (3 g/100g) + Chamomile (3 g/100g) + Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (3 g/100g)PatchTopicalPuning Xinhua Trade Co., Ltd.2023-06-01Not applicableUS flag
Rotosxika Ventilation Health patchDoxylamine succinate (5 g/100g) + Camphor (3 g/100g) + Chamomile (3 g/100g) + Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (3 g/100g)PatchTopicalPuning Xinhua Trade Co., Ltd.2023-06-01Not applicableUS flag

Categories

ATC Codes
R06AA09 — DoxylamineR06AA59 — Doxylamine, combinations
Drug Categories
Chemical TaxonomyProvided by Classyfire
Description
This compound belongs to the class of organic compounds known as benzylethers. These are aromatic ethers with the general formula ROCR' (R = alkyl, aryl; R'=benzene).
Kingdom
Organic compounds
Super Class
Benzenoids
Class
Benzene and substituted derivatives
Sub Class
Benzylethers
Direct Parent
Benzylethers
Alternative Parents
Pyridines and derivatives / Heteroaromatic compounds / Trialkylamines / Dialkyl ethers / Azacyclic compounds / Organopnictogen compounds / Hydrocarbon derivatives
Substituents
Amine / Aromatic heteromonocyclic compound / Azacycle / Benzylether / Dialkyl ether / Ether / Heteroaromatic compound / Hydrocarbon derivative / Organic nitrogen compound / Organic oxygen compound
Molecular Framework
Aromatic heteromonocyclic compounds
External Descriptors
tertiary amine, pyridines (CHEBI:51380)
Affected organisms
  • Humans and other mammals

Chemical Identifiers

UNII
95QB77JKPL
CAS number
469-21-6
InChI Key
HCFDWZZGGLSKEP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C17H22N2O/c1-17(20-14-13-19(2)3,15-9-5-4-6-10-15)16-11-7-8-12-18-16/h4-12H,13-14H2,1-3H3
IUPAC Name
dimethyl({2-[1-phenyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethoxy]ethyl})amine
SMILES
CN(C)CCOC(C)(C1=CC=CC=C1)C1=CC=CC=N1

References

General References
Not Available
Human Metabolome Database
HMDB0001936
KEGG Drug
D02327
PubChem Compound
3162
PubChem Substance
46506354
ChemSpider
3050
BindingDB
50239996
RxNav
3642
ChEBI
51380
ChEMBL
CHEMBL1004
Therapeutic Targets Database
DAP000859
PharmGKB
PA449419
Drugs.com
Drugs.com Drug Page
Wikipedia
Doxylamine
MSDS
Download (74 KB)

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials
PhaseStatusPurposeConditionsCount
4TerminatedTreatmentMorning Sickness1
3CompletedPreventionHyperemesis Gravidarum / Pregnancy1
3CompletedTreatmentHerpes Simplex Labialis1
3CompletedTreatmentNausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy2
3RecruitingTreatmentMorning Sickness1

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers
Not Available
Packagers
  • Amend
  • Centurion Labs
  • Chattem Chemicals Inc.
  • Deltex Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • Duchesnay Inc.
  • Perrigo Co.
Dosage Forms
FormRouteStrength
Tablet, chewableOral5 mg/1
Tablet, effervescentOral
Tablet, extended releaseOral
TabletOral
Kit; liquid; solutionOral
Kit; tablet; tablet, coatedOral
Capsule; kitOral
Kit; liquidOral
Capsule, gelatin coated; capsule, liquid filled; kitOral
SolutionOral
Tablet, delayed releaseOral10 mg
Tablet, delayed releaseOral
PowderOral
TabletOral25 mg/1
Tablet, chewableOral
Tablet, effervescentOral25 mg
SyrupOral
TabletOral25 mg
Tablet, orally disintegratingOral25 mg
Capsule, liquid filledOral
CapsuleOral
Capsule, gelatin coatedOral
Tablet, film coatedOral
Capsule, delayed releaseOral
Tablet, coatedOral
Capsule, liquid filled; kitOral
PatchTopical
SyrupOral9.78 mg/3mL
SyrupOral9.75 mg/5mL
TabletOral30 mg
Kit; tablet, film coatedOral
Kit; tabletOral
KitOral
Powder, for solutionOral
Kit; solutionOral
Kit; powder, for solutionOral
Kit; syrupOral
Kit; suspensionOral
LiquidOral
Tablet, coatedOral25 mg
Prices
Unit descriptionCostUnit
Doxylamine succinate powder1.5USD g
Unisom sleep aid tablet0.34USD tablet
Sleep aid 25 mg tablet0.15USD tablet
DrugBank does not sell nor buy drugs. Pricing information is supplied for informational purposes only.
Patents
Patent NumberPediatric ExtensionApprovedExpires (estimated)Region
US6340695No2002-01-222021-06-21US flag
US7560122No2009-07-142019-01-25US flag
US9526703No2016-12-272033-02-18US flag
US9375404No2016-06-282033-02-18US flag
US9089489No2015-07-282033-02-18US flag
US9937132No2018-04-102033-02-18US flag

Properties

State
Liquid
Experimental Properties
PropertyValueSource
melting point (°C)< 25 °CPhysProp
boiling point (°C)139 °C at 5.00E-01 mm HgPhysProp
water solubility1 g/ml (succinate salt)Not Available
logP2.5Not Available
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
Water Solubility0.541 mg/mLALOGPS
logP2.9ALOGPS
logP2.96Chemaxon
logS-2.7ALOGPS
pKa (Strongest Basic)8.87Chemaxon
Physiological Charge1Chemaxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count3Chemaxon
Hydrogen Donor Count0Chemaxon
Polar Surface Area25.36 Å2Chemaxon
Rotatable Bond Count6Chemaxon
Refractivity82.24 m3·mol-1Chemaxon
Polarizability31.09 Å3Chemaxon
Number of Rings2Chemaxon
Bioavailability1Chemaxon
Rule of FiveYesChemaxon
Ghose FilterYesChemaxon
Veber's RuleYesChemaxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemaxon
Predicted ADMET Features
PropertyValueProbability
Human Intestinal Absorption+0.9505
Blood Brain Barrier+0.9491
Caco-2 permeable+0.746
P-glycoprotein substrateSubstrate0.7449
P-glycoprotein inhibitor INon-inhibitor0.5123
P-glycoprotein inhibitor IINon-inhibitor0.8383
Renal organic cation transporterInhibitor0.7507
CYP450 2C9 substrateNon-substrate0.8153
CYP450 2D6 substrateNon-substrate0.5432
CYP450 3A4 substrateSubstrate0.6801
CYP450 1A2 substrateNon-inhibitor0.9092
CYP450 2C9 inhibitorNon-inhibitor0.8957
CYP450 2D6 inhibitorInhibitor0.8361
CYP450 2C19 inhibitorNon-inhibitor0.8764
CYP450 3A4 inhibitorNon-inhibitor0.6894
CYP450 inhibitory promiscuityLow CYP Inhibitory Promiscuity0.736
Ames testNon AMES toxic0.9133
CarcinogenicityNon-carcinogens0.9183
BiodegradationNot ready biodegradable1.0
Rat acute toxicity2.9218 LD50, mol/kg Not applicable
hERG inhibition (predictor I)Weak inhibitor0.8765
hERG inhibition (predictor II)Inhibitor0.5398
ADMET data is predicted using admetSAR, a free tool for evaluating chemical ADMET properties. (23092397)

Spectra

Mass Spec (NIST)
Not Available
Spectra
SpectrumSpectrum TypeSplash Key
Predicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MSPredicted GC-MSsplash10-0a59-7900000000-24e4f3f90dbbb5862928
Mass Spectrum (Electron Ionization)MSsplash10-0ab9-9200000000-5a71de62862f9881c2a1
MS/MS Spectrum - Quattro_QQQ 10V, PositiveLC-MS/MSsplash10-0040-0956300000-af11cf85a674e7db3735
MS/MS Spectrum - Quattro_QQQ 25V, PositiveLC-MS/MSsplash10-001i-0910000000-b3cb895f045d519f2bf3
MS/MS Spectrum - Quattro_QQQ 40V, PositiveLC-MS/MSsplash10-00kb-5597500000-8495062a84b32e776f33
LC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-qTof , PositiveLC-MS/MSsplash10-0292-0940000000-f369442eba5344b3ecb4
LC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QFT , positiveLC-MS/MSsplash10-001i-1920000000-07b98b36c7ef5d9ad048
LC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QFT , positiveLC-MS/MSsplash10-001i-0900000000-1ae1143763892a7aac22
LC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QFT , positiveLC-MS/MSsplash10-001i-0900000000-460d58a5bb6a5eb5f55b
LC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QFT , positiveLC-MS/MSsplash10-0159-0900000000-34dc5c06413efae437da
LC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QFT , positiveLC-MS/MSsplash10-014i-0900000000-8a5f15b863b7129c1288
LC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QFT , positiveLC-MS/MSsplash10-014i-0900000000-072ffba5139b7324d27a
MS/MS Spectrum - , positiveLC-MS/MSsplash10-00lr-0900000000-fdf3fc57eff19bfe8fd8
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positive (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-0089-0940000000-236a4147411ae5777921
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negative (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-014r-9780000000-7fa07c262cf9c5ecc729
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positive (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-00e9-7900000000-ec87ecff2841f42b61e7
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negative (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-0g5a-6910000000-62a1a5c9105a95b0495b
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negative (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-0v59-0900000000-bf31e890200514a6c94e
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positive (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-0zmi-5900000000-f159cf1a2d2306729bb1
1H NMR Spectrum1D NMRNot Applicable
Predicted 1H NMR Spectrum1D NMRNot Applicable
Predicted 13C NMR Spectrum1D NMRNot Applicable
[1H,13C] 2D NMR Spectrum2D NMRNot Applicable
Chromatographic Properties
Collision Cross Sections (CCS)
AdductCCS Value (Å2)Source typeSource
[M-H]-169.524403
predicted
DarkChem Lite v0.1.0
[M-H]-161.44737
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
[M+H]+169.366703
predicted
DarkChem Lite v0.1.0
[M+H]+163.80539
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
[M+Na]+169.993003
predicted
DarkChem Lite v0.1.0
[M+Na]+169.89853
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)

Targets

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Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
Yes
Actions
Antagonist
General Function
Histamine receptor activity
Specific Function
In peripheral tissues, the H1 subclass of histamine receptors mediates the contraction of smooth muscles, increase in capillary permeability due to contraction of terminal venules, and catecholamin...
Gene Name
HRH1
Uniprot ID
P35367
Uniprot Name
Histamine H1 receptor
Molecular Weight
55783.61 Da
References
  1. Overington JP, Al-Lazikani B, Hopkins AL: How many drug targets are there? Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2006 Dec;5(12):993-6. [Article]
  2. Imming P, Sinning C, Meyer A: Drugs, their targets and the nature and number of drug targets. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2006 Oct;5(10):821-34. [Article]
  3. Chen X, Ji ZL, Chen YZ: TTD: Therapeutic Target Database. Nucleic Acids Res. 2002 Jan 1;30(1):412-5. [Article]
Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
Unknown
Curator comments
Antagonist at the canonical form of the receptor. Agonist at isoform 3 of the receptor.
General Function
Zinc ion binding
Specific Function
Binds and transactivates the retinoic acid response elements that control expression of the retinoic acid receptor beta 2 and alcohol dehydrogenase 3 genes. Transactivates both the phenobarbital re...
Gene Name
NR1I3
Uniprot ID
Q14994
Uniprot Name
Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group I member 3
Molecular Weight
39942.145 Da
References
  1. Dring AM, Anderson LE, Qamar S, Stoner MA: Rational quantitative structure-activity relationship (RQSAR) screen for PXR and CAR isoform-specific nuclear receptor ligands. Chem Biol Interact. 2010 Dec 5;188(3):512-25. doi: 10.1016/j.cbi.2010.09.018. Epub 2010 Oct 20. [Article]
Kind
Protein group
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
Unknown
Actions
Antagonist
Curator comments
Doxylamine at toxic doses can cause anticholinergic effects.
General Function
Phosphatidylinositol phospholipase c activity
Specific Function
The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor mediates various cellular responses, including inhibition of adenylate cyclase, breakdown of phosphoinositides and modulation of potassium channels through the...

Components:
References
  1. Syed H, Som S, Khan N, Faltas W: Doxylamine toxicity: seizure, rhabdomyolysis and false positive urine drug screen for methadone. BMJ Case Rep. 2009;2009. pii: bcr09.2008.0879. doi: 10.1136/bcr.09.2008.0879. Epub 2009 Mar 17. [Article]

Enzymes

Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
Unknown
Actions
Inducer
Curator comments
Doxylamine was found to induce CYP2B enzymes in mice; correlation with human subjects has not been established.
General Function
Oxidoreductase activity, acting on paired donors, with incorporation or reduction of molecular oxygen, reduced flavin or flavoprotein as one donor, and incorporation of one atom of oxygen
Specific Function
Not Available
Gene Name
CYP2B
Uniprot ID
Q14097
Uniprot Name
CYP2B protein
Molecular Weight
43147.81 Da
References
  1. Bookstaff RC, Murphy VA, Skare JA, Minnema D, Sanzgiri U, Parkinson A: Effects of doxylamine succinate on thyroid hormone balance and enzyme induction in mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1996 Dec;141(2):584-94. [Article]

Carriers

Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
Unknown
Actions
Regulator
General Function
Toxic substance binding
Specific Function
Serum albumin, the main protein of plasma, has a good binding capacity for water, Ca(2+), Na(+), K(+), fatty acids, hormones, bilirubin and drugs. Its main function is the regulation of the colloid...
Gene Name
ALB
Uniprot ID
P02768
Uniprot Name
Serum albumin
Molecular Weight
69365.94 Da
References
  1. Martinez-Gomez MA, Carril-Aviles MM, Sagrado S, Villanueva-Camanas RM, Medina-Hernandez MJ: Characterization of antihistamine-human serum protein interactions by capillary electrophoresis. J Chromatogr A. 2007 Apr 20;1147(2):261-9. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2007.02.054. Epub 2007 Feb 22. [Article]

Drug created at June 13, 2005 13:24 / Updated at March 18, 2024 16:48