Migramax

How does it work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients, lysine acetylsalicylate and metoclopramide. Lysine acetylsalicylate is a soluble form of acetylsalicyclic acid, otherwise known as aspirin. Metoclopramide is an antisickness medicine (antiemetic). Aspirin is a painkiller that belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase. Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury or certain diseases and can cause pain, swelling and inflammation. By blocking the production of prostaglandins aspirin therefore relieves pain and inflammation, and is effective at relieving the pain of headaches and migraines. During a migraine attack sufferers can often feel sick or vomit. Metoclopramide is used to treat this symptom of the migraine. Metoclopramide works primarily by blocking dopamine receptors that are found in an area of the brain known as the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). The CTZ sends messages to another area of the brain, known as the vomiting centre, which in turn sends nerve messages to the gut that cause vomiting. By blocking dopamine receptors in the CTZ, metoclopramide prevents messages from being sent to the vomiting centre. This reduces the sensation of nausea and prevents vomiting. Metoclopramide also acts in the upper gut, where it enhances the action of a chemical called acetylcholine. Increasing the action of acetylcholine results in the tightening of the muscles at the entry to the stomach, as well as relaxing the muscles at the exit of the stomach. It also increases the contraction of the muscles in the stomach itself, which speeds the passage of food through the stomach into the intestine. This physically helps to prevent vomiting, but is also useful in migraine attacks because it speeds the passage of the aspirin into the intestine, allowing it to be absorbed and relieve the headache more quickly. This combination of aspirin and metoclopramide is most effective at relieving migraine when it is taken as soon as possible after the onset of an attack.

What is it used for?

Relieving symptoms of migraine

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

If vomiting persists, consult your doctor.

Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine, which will be stated in the product packaging or information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

Use with caution in

Abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding

Allergy to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) eg ibuprofen

Asthma

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Epilepsy

Gout

Growths into the nose

History of allergies

History of ulceration or bleeding in the stomach or intestines

Individuals who consume large quantities of alcohol

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Swelling of the nasal lining (rhinitis)

Women who have a contraceptive coil fitted

Not to be used in

Abnormal hole in the stomach or intestines (gastrointestinal perforation)

Active peptic ulcer

Allergy to salicylates (e.g. aspirin)

Bleeding disorders

Bleeding from the gut (gastrointestinal haemorrhage)

Breastfeeding

Children or young adults under 20 years of age

History of recurrent peptic ulcers

Obstruction of the stomach or intestines

Third trimester of pregnancy

Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

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. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

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 must not be used during the third trimester of pregnancy, as it may be harmful to the unborn child. It should be used with caution in the first and second trimesters, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any possible risks to the baby. 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

Dissolve or mix this medication with water before taking.

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