Common uses

Maxolon is used to treat certain conditions of the stomach and intestines. Metoclopramide is used as a short-term treatment (4 to 12 weeks) for persistent heartburn when the usual medicines do not work well enough. It is used mostly for heartburn that occurs after a meal or during the daytime. Treating persistent heartburn can decrease the damage done by stomach acid to the swallowing tube (esophagus) and help healing. Metoclopramide is also used in diabetic patients who have poor emptying of their stomachs (gastroparesis).

Before using

Your doctor need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•asthma
•breast cancer
•depression
•G6PD deficiency
•high blood pressure
•kidney disease
•methemoglobin reductase deficiency
•Parkinson's disease or a movement disorder
•pheochromocytoma
•seizures (convulsions)
•stomach obstruction, bleeding, or perforation
•an unusual or allergic reaction to metoclopramide, procainamide, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

Directions

Take this medication by mouth 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime, usually 4 times daily or exactly as directed by your doctor. If you are using the liquid form, use a medication measuring device to carefully measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon.
Dosage is based on your age, kidney and liver function, medical condition, and response to treatment.
Do not take this more often or in larger doses than prescribed by your doctor. According to the manufacturer, treatment should not exceed 12 weeks.

Cautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. It may take several days to weeks for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using the medicine.
This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. This medicine will add to the effects of depressants or alcohol. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
• Abnormal movements of the hands, legs, face, neck and tongue, eg tremor, twitching, rigidity (extrapyramidal effects).
• High blood prolactin (milk producing hormone) level (hyperprolactinaemia). Sometimes this can lead to symptoms such as breast enlargement, production of milk and stopping of menstrual periods.
• Drowsiness.
• Restlessness.
• Confusion.
• Anxiety.
• Diarrhoea.
• Skin reactions such as rash and itch.
• Depression.
• Rhythmical involuntary movement of the tongue, face, mouth and jaw, which may sometimes be accompanied by involuntary movements of the arms and legs (tardive dyskinesia).
• High temperature combined with falling levels of consciousness, paleness, sweating and a fast heart beat (neuroleptic malignant syndrome). Requires stopping the medicine and immediate medical treatment.
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness; confusion; agitation; muscle restlessness; and unusual movement of eyes, face, or limbs.

Additional information

f your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Maxolon can interact with:
•alcohol
•bromocriptine
•cyclosporine
•digoxin
•medicines for diabetes, including insulin
•medicines that treat diarrhea
•medicines for hay fever and other allergies
•medicines for mental depression
•medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances
•medicines for Parkinson's disease, like levodopa
•medicines for sleep or for pain

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.