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

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 improvementin symptoms of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy compared with placebo based on both the pregnancy unique quantification of emesisscore (-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 intreating nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.