Xonvea

Xonvea is used to stop nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Can I buy Xonvea online?

The Online Clinic can prescribe Xonvea online following an online assessment by one of our GPs. Please complete the consultation form to start the process. The consultation is free of charge and you are under no obligation to proceed.

What is Xonvea?

Xonvea is made up of two active medicines, doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride. These medicines work in different ways to treat the nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick) experienced by women during pregnancy (also known as morning sickness). Doxylamine succinate is an antihistamine, which acts by specifically attaching to H1 receptors in the brain’s vomiting centre. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is the chemical name for Vitamin B6, which is broken down into its active forms to exert its action. It is not known how these medicines act together to treat pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.

It is important to note that Xonvea is used only when changes to diet, rest, and other non-pharmaceutical methods have not ameliorated nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

How to use Xonvea

Xonvea is a round, white, film-coated (gastro-resistant) tablet containing 10 mg of doxylamine succinate and 10 mg of pyridoxine hydrochloride. It must be taken when the stomach is empty, and swallowed whole (not broken or chewed) with water.

Xonvea is taken daily and not only when you feel or have been sick. Your doctor will explain how to start and continue to use this medicine. On Day 1, two tablets are taken at bedtime. On Day 2, two tablets are taken at bedtime. If this dose stops the nausea and vomiting, then continue taking two tablets at bedtime each night. If these symptoms continue on Day 2, then on Day 3 take a total of three tablets (one in the morning and two at bedtime). If this dose stops the nausea and vomiting, then continue taking one tablet in the morning and two at bedtime every night. If symptoms remain uncontrolled on Day 3, then on Day 4 take four tablets in total (one in the morning, one mid-afternoon, and two at bedtime). Take no more than the maximum of four tablets a day.

Stop using Xonvea and seek medical advice immediately if you take more than your usual dose or if you experience any side effects. Before stopping Xonvea, discuss how to stop with your doctor. Xonvea must be stopped slowly, as stopping suddenly can lead to the return of the nausea and vomiting.

Who can use Xonvea?

Xonvea is for pregnant women. It is not used in people aged under 18 years.

You must not take Xonvea if you have allergies to doxylamine succinate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, other antihistamines, or any other Xonvea ingredients; or if you take medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors for depression.

Before taking Xonvea, you must inform your doctor if you have/or have ever had asthma, raised eye pressure or the eye condition narrow angle glaucoma, stomach ulcers, and blockages in the outlets from the stomach or bladder. Similarly, tell your doctor about all your prescription and non-prescription medicines, especially medicines for coughs and colds, sleeping, and pain, and with extra vitamin B (i.e., from foods and supplements).

If breastfeeding, discuss discontinuing either breast-feeding or Xonvea with your doctor, as the medicine can be detected in breast milk and could harm the baby. Drinking alcohol, driving, or operating machinery is not recommended while taking Xonvea, as it can cause sleepiness.

Xonvea side effects

Most often people report feeling very sleepy, but dizziness, and tiredness, and a dry mouth are also commonly mentioned.

Reviewed by: Dr Joyce Braaksma
GMC registration number: 4621289
Date: 16 March 2022
Next review: 17 March 2024
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The Medical Register at the GMC website.