Maxolon, otherwise known as Metoclopramide, is a prescription drug that's available under the brand names of Reglan and Metozoly. It is also available as a generic medication. Maxolon comes in various forms, including injectable, oral solutions and tablet, depending on the condition in question.
Maxolon (metoclopramide)
What is Maxolon?
Maxolon is a medication that increases the muscle contractions that take place in the upper digestive tract. This can help to increase the rate at which the stomach begins emptying into the intestines. When taken by mouth, the oral substance can treat heart burn and other issues caused by gastroesophageal reflux, although other treatment options are usually considered first.
Additionally, Maxolon can also be used to treat slow stomach emptying in people with diabetes which can cause stomach discomfort and heartburn after meals. The substance works by increasing the contractions in the stomach muscles, speeding up the stomach emptying process. Maxolon can also increase the tightness of the lower oesophageal sphincter, which connects the oesophagus and the stomach. This stops acid from your stomach from flowing backwards up your oesophagus. In some cases, this medicine can also percent nausea and sickness by blocking the receptors in the body responsible for causing vomiting.
When is Maxolon used?
Maxolon is used to treat various conditions, including GERD or Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms. GERD happens when acid in the stomach flows back up into the oesophagus. This drug can be used to relieve heartburn and heal various sores throughout the body when additional treatment options haven't worked. Metoclopramide is also used for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis. This happens when the stomach takes too long to empty its contents and causes vomiting, heartburn, or other issues. In many circumstances, Maxolon will be given as part of a combination therapy, which means that it needs to be taken with other medications to treat your condition.
How do you use Maxolon?
Maxolon must always be taken exactly as your doctor prescribes. If you are unsure, follow the directions given on your prescription label, and make sur that you read your medication guides. If this medicine is given to you in an injection form, then usually a healthcare provider will give it to you. Typically, Maxolon will only be prescribed for a period of yp tp 3 weeks. You should not take this drug for longer than that period without your doctor's guidance. Some long-term use of Maxolon can lead to serious disorders that may not be reversible. Maxolon can be taken before meals (about 30 minutes prior to eating) and at bedtime. You can also take this drug at the meals that are most likely to cause heart burn.
You should never take multiple forms of Maxolon at the same time. If taking the liquid form, use the syringe provided to ensure you get the right dose. To take the tablet, remove the tablet from the blister pack and place it into your mouth until it dissolves. You may need to sip liquid to swallow the dissolved substance.
What dosages are available?
Maxolon can be taken in multiple forms, the type of medication you get will affect the dosage. If you are taking the tablet form of Maxolon, then the dose will come in a packed of 84 tablets and each dose will contain 10mg of active ingredient. Usually, the prescribed dosage here will be one tablet between two and three times a day. The appropriate dose for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and other conditions may need to be determined by a doctor. Maxolon will never be suitable for young adults or children. Make sure you read the patient leaflet before taking.
What are the side effects of Maxolon?
Maxolon can cause side effects like any medications. Commonly, people will experience periods of drowsiness when taking this drug and may also feel nervous or dizzy after taking it. With that in mind, you may not be able to drive or operate machinery when you are taking this medication. When you stop taking this medication you may also experience side effects like headaches.
Common side effects of Maxolon include headaches, confusion, problems with sleeping, dizziness, issues with sleepiness and restlessness, or feelings of exhaustion. For the most part, these side effects are usually mild and will go away by themselves. If these issues do not go away by themselves within a few days or a couple of weeks, speak to a doctor or pharmacist about your treatment options. Maxolon also comes with some more serious side effects. Some of the most significant serious symptoms of Maxolon have to do with increased feelings of depression and psychiatric conditions. You may feel less motivated, sad, or have thoughts of harming yourself. Get emergency help if this happens. Another potentially serious side effect is neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which presents with symptoms like high fever, trouble concentrating, stiff muscles, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.
Other severe side effects include:
- Tardive dyskinesia: a movement disorder which may become permanent. Symptoms may include movement in the face, as well as slow and fast jerky movements in the legs and arms.
- Parkinsonism: these symptoms are similar to those caused by Parkinson's disease and include stiffness in the body, shaking, slow movement, problems with balance, and blank stare.
- Allergic reactions: symptoms may include swelling in the throat, tongue or lips, trouble breathing, hives or rash.
- Hyperprolactinemia: this issue presents with menstrual problems, erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness in women
- Hallucination
When shouldn't you use Clobetasol?
It is important that you do not use this medicine if you have ever had problems with muscle movements using Maxolon or similar medicines in the past. If you have ever had a movement disorder, avoid this medication, and do not take it if you have had intestinal or stomach problems such as a blockage or bleeding.
Speak to your doctor about your full medical history and the medical history of your close family members before taking Maxolon. Your doctor will be able to determine whether Maxolon is safe for you to take based on a complete assessment of your condition and your history. You should also make your doctor aware if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Maxolon.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have a history of:
- Disorders causing involuntary movements
- Stomach or intestinal problems
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Adrenal gland tumours
- Muscle movement problems
- Problems with congestive heart failure
- Heart rhythm disorders
- High blood pressure
- Breast cancer
- Parkinson's disease
- Diabetes
You should not take Maxolon if you can avoid it if you have a history of depression, as this substance can make your risk of depression and its symptoms a lot worse. Make sure you talk to your doctor about all of your other options before taking Maxolon with depression. You should also contact your doctor after you begin taking Maxolon if you notice any changes in your mood or your health that you are concerned about. Do not drink alcohol if you are taking Maxolon as it can increase your risk of falling victim to some of the side effects of the drug.
Usually, Maxolon is generally safe to use during pregnancy, however it is important to speak to your doctor before taking it. This substance can pass into breast milk in small amounts which means that you will need to speak to your doctor and get approval to use It if you are nursing.
Does Maxolon interact with any other medications?
Like all other medications, Maxolon can interact with drugs, vitamins and other substances that you might be taking. Before you begin using Maxolon make sure that you tell your doctor about any prescription drugs or over the counter medications that you are taking. Additionally, be sure to mention any herbal supplements too. To avoid interactions, be sure that you tell your doctor before you begin using any additional medications when you are already taking Maxolon.
Taking Maxolon with certain medications will increase your risk of side effects from this drug. Most commonly, the interactions with Maxolon happen when taking drugs that are intended for the treatment of various psychological conditions. Maxolon can also be dangerous to take with narcotics and sedatives such as diazepam or lorazepam. Avoid taking Maxolon when you are also taking temazepam, zolpidem, propofol, eszopiclone and various other antihistamines, tranquilizers and more. Your doctor will be able to provide you with a complete list of all the drugs that Maxolon interacts with. He or she will also be able to assess your current medical situation and any of the drugs that you might be taking before prescribing Maxolon.
Insulin and drugs for diabetes may interact poorly with Maxolon. If you have diabetes, you might need to switch your treatment plan, or adjust the medications that you are using. Bladder and urinary medications, blood pressure medications, and medications for irritable bowel can also interact with Maxolon.
Where can you buy Maxolon?
Maxolon is available to purchase both in-store and online from registered pharmacies. It is important to assess the reliability of the pharmacy that you are purchasing from before you buy Maxolon. Make sure you do not trust any pharmacy that sells this medication without asking for a prescription or an assessment from a doctor.
Can you get Maxolon without a prescription?
Maxolon has the potential to cause very dangerous side effects when not used correctly. It is not available without a prescription, as your doctor will need to make sure that it is suitable to prescribe Maxolon to you based on your history and medical condition.
References
ADVANZ Pharma, online, Maxalon Tablets 10mg, [Accessed on 28th of June 2019], Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6213/smpc
Drugs.com, online, 2019, Moxolon Side Effects, [Accessed on 28th of June 2019], Available at: https://www.drugs.com/sfx/maxolon-side-effects.html
iNova Pharmaceuticals Aust Pty Ltd, Australia, January 2019, Iapmaxol, [Accessed on 28th of June 2019], Available at: http://www.medicines.org.au/files/iapmaxol.pdf