Meningococcal conjugate vaccine and Unisom

• Generic Name: meningococcal conjugate vaccine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Menactra, Menveo

Meningococcal disease is a serious infection caused by a bacteria. Meningococcal bacteria can infect the spinal cord and brain, causing meningitis that can be fatal. Meningococcal disease can also lead to permanent and disabling medical problems.

Meningococcal disease can spread from one person to another through small droplets of saliva that are expelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria can also be passed through contact with objects the infected person has touched, such as a door handle or other surface. The bacteria can also be passed through kissing, or sharing a drinking glass or eating utensil with an infected person.

Meningococcal disease is more likely to occur in babies younger than 1 year, in young people ages 16 to 23 years, in anyone with a weak immune system, and in anyone exposed to an outbreak of the disease.

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is used to prevent infection caused by meningococcal bacteria. The vaccine works by exposing you to a small dose of the bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes your body to develop immunity to the disease. Meningococcal conjugate vaccine contains four of the most common types of meningococcal bacteria (serogroups A, C, W, and Y).

This vaccine will not treat an active meningococcal infection that has already developed in the body.

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is for use in children and adults between the ages of 9 months and 55 years old.

Like any vaccine, meningococcal conjugate vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

• Generic Name: doxylamine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Unisom, Nytol Maximum Strength, Aldex AN, Nitetime Sleep-Aid, Sleep Aid

Unisom is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness and are sometimes used a 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).

Unisom may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.