Effectiveness of delayed-release doxylamine and pyridoxine for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a randomized placebo controlled trial

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Dec;203(6):571.e1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.07.030. Epub 2010 Sep 16.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Diclectin (doxylamine succinate 10 mg-pyridoxine hydrochloride 10 mg, delayed-release preparation) as compared with placebo for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.

Study design: A randomized, double-blind, multicenter placebo controlled trial studying pregnant women suffering from nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, analyzed by intention to treat. Women received Diclectin (n = 131) or placebo (n = 125) for 14 days. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy symptoms were evaluated daily using the pregnancy unique quantification of emesis scale.

Results: Diclectin use resulted in a significantly larger improvement in symptoms of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy compared with placebo based on both the pregnancy unique quantification of emesis score (-4.8 ± 2.7 vs -3.9 ± 2.6; P = .006) and quality of life. After the trial, 64 (48.9%) women receiving Diclectin asked to continue compassionate use of their medication, as compared with 41 (32.8%) of placebo-treated women (P = .009).

Conclusion: Diclectin delayed release formulation of doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride is effective and well tolerated in treating nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00614445.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / administration & dosage
  • Dicyclomine
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Doxylamine / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Morning Sickness / drug therapy
  • Nausea / diagnosis
  • Nausea / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy
  • Pyridoxine / administration & dosage*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Reference Values
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vomiting / diagnosis
  • Vomiting / drug therapy*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Drug Combinations
  • dicyclomine, doxylamine, pyridoxine drug combination
  • Dicyclomine
  • Doxylamine
  • Pyridoxine

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT00614445