The power to relieve Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy is in your hands
This page is intended for Irish Healthcare Professionals only
Galen recognised the onerous process that Irish healthcare professionals and patients faced with regards to accessing Cariban. As of August 2024, Galen is the new exclusive distributor of Cariban in Ireland, meaning that there is now a fully licensed and reimbursed Cariban product available to the Irish market.
About Cariban
Cariban is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy in adults who do not respond to conservative management. (Limitations of use: The combination doxylamine/pyridoxine has not been studied in case of hyperemesis gravidarum)1 Please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) before prescribing – click here to view the SPC. For more information on Cariban click here.
About Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP)
NVP is a condition that can affect up to 80% of expecting mothers. This condition can negatively affect a patient’s family life, on their ability to perform usual daily activities, on social functioning, and on stress levels.5,6 For more information on NVP click here.
Why Cariban?
First-line pharmacological treatment for patients suffering NVP2
Effectively relieves the symptoms
of NVP1
Fully reimbursed for patients on the Drugs Payment Scheme or with a Medical Card
Further Information
About NVP
NVP is a condition that can affect up to 80% of expecting mothers. This condition can negatively affect a patient’s family life, on their ability to perform usual daily activities, on social functioning, and on stress levels.5,6
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Efficacy & Safety Information
There has been extensive clinical experience with Cariban’s active ingredients.1
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Knowledge Centre
Visit our knowledge centre to view the latest resources relating to Cariban and NVP as well as updates on our news and upcoming events.
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About Cariban
Cariban is the first-line pharmacological treatment recommended by the Irish clinical guidelines for the treatment of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy.2
Lean moreCariban Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cariban now reimbursed?
Galen recognised the onerous process that Irish healthcare professionals and patients faced with regards to accessing Cariban.
As of August 2024, Galen is the new exclusive distributor of Cariban in Ireland, meaning that there is a fully licensed and reimbursed Cariban product available to the Irish market.
Previously, the only way reimbursement for Cariban was granted, was via completion of a long page form via a hospital Consultant. This process is no longer required and Cariban can be prescribed via a GP or specialist.
What are the active ingredients in Cariban?
The active ingredients in each Cariban capsule are 10mg doxylamine succinate and 10mg of pyridoxine hydrochloride.1
Doxylamine succinate is an antihistamine with anti-nausea and antiemetic activity. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a water-soluble vitamin factor (vitamin B6).1
Are there any birth defects associated with use of Cariban?
Epidemiological studies and meta-analyses indicates no malformative toxicity of doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride.1
Can the patient drive after taking Cariban?
Cariban has major influence on the ability to drive and use machines.1
Cariban can cause somnolence and blurred vision, especially during the first few days of treatment. Therefore you should advise patients to avoid any situations which require complete mental alertness, such as driving, until you clear them to do so.1
What is Cariban prescribed for?
Cariban is prescribed for adult patients who are suffering from NVP who have not responded to conservative management.
Recognising and treating NVP in a timely manner may prevent the progression of NVP to the most severe form6 which is commonly referred to as Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Moderate to severe NVP, is characterised by intractable vomiting which can be associated with electrolyte abnormalities, acid-base disturbance and weight loss.4
How does Cariban work?
Cariban releases the active ingredients over a period of time, meaning that onset of pharmacological effects is delayed. After ingestion in fasted conditions, peak plasma concentration is reached after approx. 6-7 hours for doxylamine and approx. 4 hours for pyridoxine. The therapeutic activity of doxylamine is extended for a period of 4-6 hours.1
Doxylamine is an ethanolamine derivative, a first-generation antihistamine that competitively, reversibly and non-specifically blocks H1 receptors. It is also a non-specific antagonist that can block other receptors, such as central or peripheral muscarinic receptors. The antiemetic action of doxylamine is also associated with blocking of the central cholinergic and H1 receptors, although the mechanism of action is unknown.1
Pyridoxine is a water-soluble vitamin factor (vitamin B6) whose active form is pyridoxal 5’-phosphate. It acts as an enzyme co-factor in numerous biochemical reactions involved in the digestive breakdown of proteins and amino acids and, to a lesser extent, lipids and carbohydrates. Pyridoxine is also involved in the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids (conversion of linoleic acid into arachidonic acid). It is a coenzyme for transaminases and decarboxylases and allows the conversion of tryptophan into nicotinic acid.1
Is Cariban on any National guidelines?
Cariban is the first-line pharmacological treatment recommended by the Irish clinical guidelines for the treatment of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy.2
Has Cariban been used in other countries?
There is extensive clinical experience with the drug combination in the symptomatic treatment of NVP1
Cariban has been used by pregnant patients for over 50 years in Europe, with more than 500 million doses provided.3
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Queries regarding Cariban?
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