Bendectin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bendectin, a mixture of pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6), and doxylamine, is a drug prescribed to treat nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness. It was voluntarily removed from the market in 1983 by its manufacturer, Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, following numerous lawsuits alleging that it caused birth defects. The most famous case is Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals (1993), which left lasting implications for the way science is used in the courtroom.

The drug has recently resurfaced and is currently marketed under the same name. It can also be made at home using Vitamin B-6 and one-half of a Unisom, both of which are available over-the-counter.

[edit] See also

Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals

Daubert standard

Unisom Sleep Tabs is doxylamine (not Unisom Sleep Gels)

[edit] External links

• The History of Bendectin, from www.babyzone.com.

• Project on Scientific Knowledge and Public Policy (SKAPP) website, collection of original documents and commentary on the Daubert standard and the use of science in public policy.