When one seeks medical attention, the first and foremost task handed to the physician is to assess the patient’s medical history and then prescribe an appropriate personalized medical regimen. Be it infectious diseases, chronic conditions, or metabolic disorders, prescription of medication is only the first step of proceedings. It is equally upon the patient, as much as it is upon the doctor and healthcare professionals examining him, to stick to his or her prescribed routine and get a follow-up check done on a regular basis.
The dose is the amount of drug taken at any one time. This can be expressed as the weight of the drug (e.g. 250 mg), the volume of drug solution (e.g. 10 mL, 2 drops), the number of dosage forms (e.g. 1 capsule, 1 suppository), or some other quantity (e.g. 2 puffs). The dosage regimen is the frequency at which the drug doses are given. Examples include 2.5 mL twice a day, one tablet three times a day, and one injection every four weeks.
The total daily dose is calculated from the dose and the number of times per day the dose is taken while the optimal dosage is the dosage that gives the desired effect with minimum side effects. There are many factors taken into consideration when deciding the dose of a drug – including the age of the patient, weight, sex, ethnicity, liver and kidney function, and whether the patient smokes. Other medicines may also affect the drug dose. Adherence and compliance are pivotal in ensuring an improved health outcome for the patient especially if he is suffering from a chronic condition and needs prolonged medical attention.
What are Unisom pills?
Unisom pill is a brand of doxylamine, an antihistamine that reduces the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness and are sometimes used as sleep aids.
Unisom is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms. Unisom is also used as a short-term treatment for sleep problems (insomnia).
How should the Unisom pill be taken?
The recommended dose for Unisompills for insomnia is as follows:
Adults and children 12 years and older: 1 tablet by mouth 30 minutes before bedtime, or as directed by a provider.
Children under 12 years old: Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) is not recommended for this age group. Ask your child’s provider to see what other options there are to help your child sleep better.
Is it safe to take 100mg of Unisom?
No, the usual dose of Unisom for adults and children above the age of 12 years for sleep is 25 mg to 50 mg to be taken by mouth at bedtime. Taking more than the recommended dose of Unisom can result in an overdose, the lethal dosage of doxylamine in humans is 25–250 mg/kg body weight.
Symptoms of Unisom overdose may include:
- Fever
- Flushing
- Hallucinations
- Large pupils
- Loss of consciousness
- Muscle twitching
- Seizures
- Shaking (tremor)
- Weakness,
In children, excitement may occur first and may be followed by loss of coordination, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and seizures.
In case of Unisom overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Can I take Unisom pills with alcohol?
No, avoid taking Unisom with alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it has a sedative effect. Because alcohol is a depressant drug, it also has sedative effects. Taking Unisom with alcohol can lead to a potentially dangerous level of sedation.
Are Unisom pills addictive?
No, Unisom pills are not addictive. However, you can develop a tolerance to it, which means you’ll have to take more of it over time to get the same effect. This can lead to an increased risk of other side effects.
What are the side effects of Unisom sleeping pills?
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
• chest congestion
• constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth, nose, and throat
• headache
• inability to concentrate
• increased perspiration
• nausea or vomiting
• restlessness
• upset stomach
Although most of the side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
• decreased muscle coordination
• difficulty in passing urine
• excitation (especially in children)
• insomnia
• muscle weakness
• nervousness
• rapid heart rate
• vision problems
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
• chest tightness
• skin rash or hives
• wheezing
Unisom may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
