Health Centres - Maxolon SR (metoclopramide)
How does it work?
Maxolon SR capsules contain the active ingredient metoclopramide hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called a dopamine antagonist. (NB. Metoclopramide is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Metoclopramide is an antisickness medicine, though it also has other uses due to its action on the gut.
Metoclopramide works primarily by blocking dopamine receptors found in an area of the brain known as the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). The CTZ is activated by nerve messages from the stomach when an irritant is present. It is also activated directly by agents circulating in the blood, for example anti-cancer medicines. Once activated, it sends messages to another area of the brain, the vomiting centre, which in turn sends messages to the gut, causing the vomiting reflex.
Blocking the dopamine receptors in the CTZ prevents nausea messages from being sent to the vomiting centre. This reduces the sensation of sickness and prevents vomiting.
Metoclopramide also acts in the upper end of the digestive system, where it enhances the action of a natural chemical called acetylcholine. Increasing the action of acetylcholine results in the tightening of the muscles at the entry to the stomach, relaxation of the muscles at the exit of the stomach and increased contraction of the muscles in the stomach itself. These actions speed the passage of food through the stomach into the intestine, which physically helps to prevent vomiting.
Both actions make metoclopramide useful in treating nausea and vomiting due to many causes, including anti-cancer chemotherapy and various digestive disorders.
Due to its action on the gut, metoclopramide can also be used to restore normal muscle tone and function to the gut in various digestive disorders. This helps relieve symptoms such as indigestion, pain, bile regurgitation, flatulence, acid reflux and heartburn.
Maxolon SR capsules are known as sustained release capsules. They release the medicine slowly and continuously over a few hours and are designed to be taken twice a day. The capsules must be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed, as this would damage the sustained-release action.
What is it used for?
Maxolon SR is used for the following conditions in adults over 20 years of age:
- nausea and vomiting due to digestive disorders or anti-cancer chemotherapy
- relief of digestive symptoms such as indigestion, heartburn, flatulence, sickness, bile regurgitation and stomach pain due to conditions such as peptic ulcer, hiatus hernia, gallstones, reflux oesophagitis, or inflammation of the stomach or small intestine (gastritis or duodenitis).
- This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.
- This medicine may increase the rate of absorption of alcohol and increase its blood level and effect.
- If vomiting persists despite taking this medicine you should consult your doctor.
Use with caution in
- Elderly people.
- Severely decreased kidney function.
- Severely decreased liver function.
-
Epilepsy.
- People taking antipsychotic medicines or certain other medicines that act in the brain (see end of factsheet for more details).
- Hereditary blood disorders called porphyrias.
- History of atopic allergies such as eczema, hayfever or asthma.
Not to be used in
- Children or young adults under 20 years of age (other forms of metoclopramide suitable for this age group are available - see the factsheets linked at the end of this article for more information).
- People with bleeding in the stomach or intestines (gastrointestinal haemorrhage).
- People with an abnormal hole in the stomach or intestines (gastrointestinal perforation).
- People with a blockage of the stomach or intestines (gastrointestinal obstruction).
- First three to four days following certain types of gut surgery (eg pyloroplasty or gut anastomosis).
- Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma).
-
Breastfeeding.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- This medicine is not known to be harmful when used by pregnant women, but as with all medicines it should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only when considered essential, particularly during the first trimester. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine passes into breast milk. Women who are breastfeeding should not use this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Label warnings
- This medicine should be swallowed whole and not chewed.
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