Maxolon

What is it?

An antiemetic, antidopaminergic preparation which acts on the gastrointestinal tract and is available as white tablets in 2 strengths, containing 5mg of metoclopramide hydrochloride or as scored tablets containing 10mg of metoclopramide hydrochloride, marked MAXOLON. Also, MAXOLON SYRUP containing 5mg of metoclopramide hydrochloride per 5ml. Also, MAXOLON SR, available as clear capsules containing 15mg of metoclopramide hydrochloride in the form of white, sustained-release granules, marked MAXOLON SR 15. Also, MAXOLON INJECTION as a solution in ampoules for injection containing 10mg of metoclpramide hydrochloride per 2ml. Also, MAXALON PAEDIATRIC LIQUID, containing 1mg of metoclopramide hydrochloride per ml. Also, MAXALON HIGH DOSE, available in ampoules containing 100mg of metoclopramide per 20ml, for injection.

Medical Uses

Indigestion, gastro-intestinal disturbance, abdominal wind, heartburn, backflow of bile. Also, vomiting and nausea due to cytotoxic drug therapy, cobalt therapy, deep X-ray or post-operative sickness.

Dosage

Adults over 20 years of age, tablets or syrup: body weight less than 60kg, 5mg 3 times each day; weighing more than 60kg, 10mg 3 times each day. In both cases, the maximum is 0.5mg per kg of body weight. Maxalon SR, 1 capsule twice each day with a maximum dose of 0.5mg per kg of body weight. Maxalon injection, body weight less than 60kg, 5mg 3 times each day; weighing over 60kg, 10mg 3 times each day. Both to a maximum of 0.5mg per kg of body weight and delivered by slow intravenous or intramuscular injection. Maxalon High Dose, consult manufacturer's instructions. Children and young adults up to 20 years, use paediatric liquid, for severe vomiting of known origin and that caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy only: weighing 10kg or under, 1mg twice each day; weighing 10 to 14kg, 1mg 2 to 3 times each day; weighing 15 to 19kg, 2mg 2 to 3 times each day; weighing 20 to 29kg, 2.5mg 2 to 3 times each day; weighing 30 to 59kg, 5mg 3 times each day; weighing 60kg or over, as adult. Same doses may Also, be given by intramuscular or intravenous injection, as directed by physician. Maximum dose for both routes is 0.5mg per kg of body weight each day. Maxalon High Dose, according to manufacturer's instructions.

Special Care

Pregnancy, serious liver or kidney disease or damage, epilepsy, porphyria (a rare, inherited metabolic disorder involving porphyrins which are compounds that occur in the body).

Avoid Use

Breastfeeding, patients who have recently had operations on gastrointestinal tract, intestinal obstruction or perforated bowel, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, phaeochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal glands).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Terabenazine, atovaquone, phenothiazines, anticholinergics, narcotic analgesics, bromocriptine, butyrophenones, levodopa, pergolide, paracetamol, aspirin.

Known Side Effects

Diarrhoea, raised levels of prolactin in blood, rash, sleepiness, extrapyramidal reactions (involuntary muscle movements, changes in posture and muscle tone), neuroleptic malignant syndrome, abnormal enlargement of breasts and milk production, irregular periods.