How to Take ASIC Tablets During Pregnancy: Managing Nausea and Vomiting Safely

Morning sickness affects around 7 in 10 pregnant women, especially in the first trimester. While it’s often a sign of a healthy pregnancy, persistent nausea and vomiting can make day-to-day life difficult. In more severe cases, it can impact nutrition, hydration and emotional well-being.

Asic tablets, commonly prescribed in South Africa and other countries, offer relief for many women. Containing a combination of doxylamine succinate (an antihistamine) and pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), Asic is specifically formulated for treating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and is considered safe under medical guidance.

Understanding Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

Pregnancy-related nausea usually begins around week 6 and may continue until week 12 to 14, though some women experience symptoms beyond the first trimester. Symptoms range from mild queasiness to more severe vomiting and dehydration, known as hyperemesis gravidarum.

The exact cause remains unclear, but contributing factors include:

• Rapidly rising hormone levels, especially hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
• Heightened sense of smell
• Increased oestrogen
• Slowed digestive system

While usually manageable, ongoing nausea can lead to weight loss, fatigue and anxiety. Treatment is important not only for physical health but also for emotional well-being and day-to-day functioning.

What Are Asic Tablets and How Do They Work?

Asic is a combination medication containing:

• Doxylamine succinate (10 mg): An antihistamine that reduces stimulation of the vomiting centre in the brain
• Pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6, 10 mg): Helps regulate neurotransmitters involved in nausea

The blend of these two active ingredients works synergistically to ease nausea, reduce vomiting frequency and help women feel functional again. Asic is often a first-line treatment when dietary or lifestyle measures are not effective.

According to the NHS, a similar formulation (sold under brand names like Xonvea or Diclectin in the UK and US) has been shown to be both effective and safe for use during pregnancy.

When Should Asic Be Used in Pregnancy?

Doctors may recommend Asic if:

• Nausea is persistent, interfering with eating, drinking, or sleep
• Vomiting leads to dehydration
• Non-pharmacological approaches (e.g. small meals, ginger, acupressure) have not worked
• There is weight loss or nutritional concerns
• The woman has a history of severe morning sickness in previous pregnancies

For most women, Asic provides significant relief within a few days, allowing them to return to normal activities and improving appetite and mood.

How to Take Asic Tablets Safely

Dosage and Timing

Asic should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional, typically:

• 1 to 2 tablets at bedtime on the first night
• If symptoms persist, one tablet in the morning and one in the afternoon may be added
• Do not exceed 4 tablets in 24 hours

Taking the tablets on an empty stomach is recommended for better absorption. The sedative effect of doxylamine may help women sleep through nighttime nausea.

Important Precautions

• Do not take Asic without medical advice
• Avoid combining with other sedating medications or alcohol
• Use caution when driving or operating machinery due to drowsiness
• Always disclose other medications or supplements being used

The safety of Asic is supported by multiple clinical trials. A meta-analysis published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology concluded that doxylamine-pyridoxine is not associated with increased risk of congenital anomalies, stillbirth, or preterm birth.

Common Side Effects and What to Expect

While generally well tolerated, some women may experience:

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Headache

Side effects are typically mild and improve over time. For women who experience excessive sedation, dosage timing may need to be adjusted. If side effects become severe or unusual symptoms occur, medical attention is needed immediately.

Is Asic Safe in All Trimesters?

Current guidance supports use of Asic during early and mid-pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester when nausea is most severe. There is no known risk to the foetus when used appropriately.

According to the UK Medicines Information (UKMi) and South African obstetric protocols, the combination of doxylamine and pyridoxine is Category A in pregnancy, indicating no increased risk of birth defects.

However, continued use into the third trimester should be assessed case-by-case, especially if symptoms persist longer than expected.

What to Avoid While Using Asic

To ensure maximum effectiveness and safety, certain substances and habits should be avoided:

• Alcohol: Increases sedative effects and should be avoided entirely during pregnancy
• Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benylin, Histalix) unless prescribed
• Caffeine: Limit intake as it may worsen dehydration and nausea
• Heavily spiced or fried foods: These can aggravate nausea, especially when digestion is already slowed by pregnancy hormones

When to Seek Urgent Medical Help

While Asic is safe for many women, it is not a substitute for urgent care in serious cases. Medical attention should be sought immediately if you experience:

• Inability to keep down any fluids for over 24 hours
• Signs of dehydration (e.g. dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness)
• Blood in vomit
• High fever or abdominal pain
• Weight loss exceeding 5% of pre-pregnancy weight

These symptoms may indicate hyperemesis gravidarum, which often requires hospital treatment and IV fluids.

Non-Medical Strategies to Support Nausea Management

Even with Asic, small lifestyle adjustments can enhance comfort and reduce nausea triggers:

• Eat frequent small meals rather than three large ones
• Keep plain crackers or rusks near your bed to eat before rising
• Sip on cold fluids, such as lemon water or rooibos tea
• Use ginger or peppermint lozenges to soothe the stomach
• Avoid strong odours, including perfumes, smoke and fried food
• Get plenty of rest and consider short naps during the day

Many South African women also find relief with acupressure wristbands, which are available in major pharmacies like Clicks and Dis-Chem.

Accessing Asic in South Africa

Asic is available by prescription only. Women attending government clinics or private obstetricians can request evaluation for nausea relief. It’s typically stocked at:

• Clicks
• Dis-Chem
• Independent pharmacies

Generic versions may be offered under different names but should have the same active ingredients and dosage. Always ensure your medication is dispensed by a registered pharmacist and that you understand the dosing schedule fully.

Most pregnant women experience some degree of morning sickness, but for those who find it hard to function, support is available. Asic tablets offer a medically backed, pregnancy-safe solution to help manage nausea and improve quality of life. When taken responsibly under the guidance of a healthcare provider, Asic is an effective part of a larger care plan that includes hydration, rest, nutrition and emotional support.

References

• NHS – Vomiting and Morning Sickness in Pregnancy: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/vomiting-and-morning-sickness/
• UK Electronic Medicines Compendium – Asic Tablets Patient Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5762/pil
• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) – Management of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy: https://www.rcog.org.uk/news/updated-rcog-green-top-guideline-on-the-management-of-nausea-and-vomiting-in-pregnancy-and-hyperemesis-gravidarum-published/
• Mayo Clinic – Morning Sickness: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375254
• Obstetrics & Gynecology Journal – Safety of Doxylamine and Pyridoxine in Pregnancy: https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/abstract/2014/05001/neurocognitive_development_of_children_exposed_to.313.aspx