Nausea Medications During Pregnancy: Which Are Safe to Take?
When morning sickness strikes, expecting parents need fast-acting options to stop the nausea and vomiting. Explore safe nausea medications for pregnancy here.
Bonjesta
Used for Morning Sickness
Used for Morning Sickness
Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) treats morning sickness, or nausea and vomiting that happens during pregnancy. It's typically taken when changing your diet or staying away from nausea triggers isn't enough help. This medication contains an antihistamine called doxylamine and a dietary supplement called pyridoxine (also known as vitamin B6). The dosage is 1 tablet taken by mouth at bedtime, but it can be adjusted to 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet at bedtime if needed. This medication commonly causes sleepiness as a side effect.
What is Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine)?
What is Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) used for?
- Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting during pregnancy) when non-medication options haven't provided enough relief
How Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) works
Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) is a combination medication containing two active ingredients that are thought to work together to relieve symptoms of morning sickness.
- Doxylamine is an antihistamine. It blocks a natural chemical in the body called histamine from turning on the part of the brain that's responsible for nausea and vomiting.
- Pyridoxine, another name for vitamin B6, is a dietary supplement. It's not clear how pyridoxine helps lessen nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
When does Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Bonjesta |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antihistamine / Dietary supplement |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Sleepiness (14%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Chest discomfort
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Balance problems
- Blurry vision
Note: Side effects were based on studies with people who took 10 mg of doxylamine and 10 mg of pyridoxine.
Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Accidentally taking too much medication: extreme sleepiness, dry mouth, restlessness, feeling like your surroundings are spinning, fast heart rate, confusion
When do Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Sleepiness
The following Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
Blurred or loss of vision
burning feeling while urinating
chest discomfort
decrease in the frequency of urination
decrease in urine volume
difficult or labored breathing
difficult or painful urination
disturbed color perception
double vision
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
halos around lights
headache, severe and throbbing
hoarseness
irritation
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
night blindness
overbright appearance of lights
redness of the skin
stomach distension or pain
swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
tightness in the chest
troubled breathing or swallowing
tunnel vision
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Unusual drowsiness
Incidence not known
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
confusion about identity, place, and time
dizziness or lightheadedness
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
general feeling of discomfort or illness
headache
increased sweating
irritability
nightmares
sensation of spinning
trouble sleeping
unusual tiredness or weakness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$824.00
Manufacturer exclusive discount
$180.00
Pros and cons of Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine)
Pros
- One of the few medications that's FDA approved for morning sickness during pregnancy
- Combines two medications into one tablet for convenience
- Dose ranges from 1 to 2 tablets per day, depending on your needs
Cons
- Can cause sleepiness
- Not for severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum)
- Not known whether it works well or is safe for people under 18 years old
Pharmacist tips for Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine)
- Take Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. Food can make the medication take longer to work and also lessen how much of the medication gets absorbed into the body.
- Swallow Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) tablets whole. Don't crush, chew, or break the tablets before you swallow. Otherwise, the medication might not last as long in your system. Talk to your prescriber if you have trouble swallowing the tablets whole.
- You can feel sleepy after you take Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine). Don't drive or do any activities that you need to concentrate for until you speak with your prescriber after you start taking this medication. It's dangerous to drive when you're sleepy, have trouble thinking clearly, or can't react quickly.
- Avoid taking other antihistamines while you're taking Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine). It can put you at higher risk for serious side effects, like extreme sleepiness and confusion. Over-the-counter allergy, cough and cold medications, and sleep aids commonly have antihistamines in them. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure whether any of your other medications contain an antihistamine.
- Give your care team an up-to-date list of medications that you're taking. They can make sure your medications are safe to take together. It's not recommended to take Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) if you're taking other medications that cause sleepiness, like muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and anxiety medications. It can cause severe sleepiness, which can lead to accidents and falls.
- Other ways to help with morning sickness include eating dry crackers in bed in the morning so you're not moving around on an empty stomach. Then, make sure to drink enough water during the day. In addition, it can be easier on the stomach if you eat smaller portions of food (five or six smaller meals) instead of a few large meals throughout the day. You can also try ginger candies, ginger ale, and ginger tea.
Risks and warnings for Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine)
Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Sleepiness
- Risk factors: Taking medications that can make you sleepy | Drinking alcohol
Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) can make you sleepy. Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing anything that you need concentration for while you're taking this medication until you speak with your prescriber. This helps prevent accidental injuries, especially since Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) can affect your ability to think clearly and react quickly. Discuss with your care team about how the medication makes you feel after you take it.
Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) isn't recommended if you're currently taking other medications that can make you sleepy, such as sleep or anxiety medications, or if you drink alcohol. Mixing Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) with these medications or with alcohol can lead to severe sleepiness, which can lead to falls or accidents.
Worsening of certain other medical conditions
Because of how Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) works and its possible side effects, this medication can worsen symptoms of certain other medical conditions. Examples include high pressure in the eye, narrow-angle glaucoma, stomach ulcers, gut blockage, and problems with urination. Let your care team know about your full medical history before you start taking Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) so they can discuss risks and benefits.
Contact your primary care provider or care team if you notice any symptoms of your other medical conditions get worse while you're taking Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine).
Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) dosage
The average cost for 60 tablets of 20mg/20mg of Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) is $180.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 78.16% off the average retail price of $824.00. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20mg/20mg | 60 tablets | $180.00 | $3.00 |
Typical dosage for Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine)
Each tablet contains 20 mg of doxylamine and 20 mg of pyridoxine.
The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth at bedtime on an empty stomach.
- If your symptoms don't get better after the second day of taking the medication, you can take 1 tablet by mouth in the morning and then 1 tablet at bedtime.
The maximum number of tablets you can take in a day is 2 tablets.
Interactions between Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) and other drugs
Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Calcium Oxybate
- Furazolidone
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Linezolid
- Magnesium Oxybate
- Methylene Blue
- Moclobemide
- Nialamide
- Phenelzine
- Potassium Oxybate
- Procarbazine
- Rasagiline
- Safinamide
- Selegiline
- Sodium Oxybate
- Toloxatone
- Tranylcypromine
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acepromazine
- Alfentanil
- Alprazolam
- Altretamine
- Amifampridine
- Amobarbital
- Anileridine
- Aripiprazole
- Asenapine
- Baclofen
- Benperidol
- Benzhydrocodone
- Bromazepam
- Bromopride
- Buprenorphine
- Bupropion
- Buspirone
- Butabarbital
- Cannabidiol
- Carbinoxamine
- Carisoprodol
- Carphenazine
- Cetirizine
- Chloral Hydrate
- Chlordiazepoxide
- Chlorpromazine
- Chlorzoxazone
- Clobazam
- Clonazepam
- Clorazepate
- Clozapine
- Codeine
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Dexmedetomidine
- Diacetylmorphine
- Diazepam
- Dichloralphenazone
- Difenoxin
- Dihydrocodeine
- Diphenhydramine
- Diphenoxylate
- Donepezil
- Droperidol
- Enflurane
- Esketamine
- Estazolam
- Eszopiclone
- Ethchlorvynol
- Ethopropazine
- Ethylmorphine
- Flibanserin
- Fluphenazine
- Flurazepam
- Fluspirilene
- Fospropofol
- Gabapentin
- Gabapentin Enacarbil
- Halazepam
- Haloperidol
- Halothane
- Hexobarbital
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Hydroxyzine
- Isoflurane
- Ketamine
- Ketazolam
- Ketobemidone
- Lemborexant
- Levocetirizine
- Levorphanol
- Lofexidine
- Lorazepam
- Loxapine
- Meclizine
- Melperone
- Meperidine
- Mephobarbital
- Meprobamate
- Meptazinol
- Mesoridazine
- Metaxalone
- Methadone
- Methdilazine
- Methocarbamol
- Methohexital
- Methotrimeprazine
- Metoclopramide
- Midazolam
- Molindone
- Moricizine
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Nicomorphine
- Nitrazepam
- Nitrous Oxide
- Olanzapine
- Opium
- Opium Alkaloids
- Orphenadrine
- Oxazepam
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Papaveretum
- Paregoric
- Pentobarbital
- Perampanel
- Perazine
- Periciazine
- Perphenazine
- Phenobarbital
- Pimozide
- Piperacetazine
- Pipotiazine
- Piritramide
- Pitolisant
- Prazepam
- Pregabalin
- Primidone
- Prochlorperazine
- Promazine
- Promethazine
- Propofol
- Quazepam
- Quetiapine
- Ramelteon
- Remifentanil
- Remimazolam
- Remoxipride
- Scopolamine
- Secobarbital
- Sertindole
- Sufentanil
- Sulpiride
- Tapentadol
- Temazepam
- Thiethylperazine
- Thiopental
- Thiopropazate
- Thioridazine
- Tilidine
- Tizanidine
- Tolonium Chloride
- Topiramate
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Triazolam
- Trifluoperazine
- Trifluperidol
- Triflupromazine
- Trimeprazine
- Zaleplon
- Zolpidem
- Zopiclone
- Zotepine
How much does Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Bonjesta (brand)
$180.00
Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to doxylamine, diphenhydramine, or dimenhydrinate
- Allergy to pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
- Currently take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
What are alternatives to Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Bonjesta (doxylamine / pyridoxine)
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