Paracetamol and Metoclopramide

About Paracetamol and Metoclopramide

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antimigraine drugs.

This is a combination medicine containing paracetamol and metoclopramide. It is used to relieve the symptoms of migraine including headache, nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick).

Paracetamol belongs to the group of medicines known as analgesics or painkillers. It helps to ease the pain of the migraine headache.

Metoclopramide belongs to the group of medicines known as anti-emetics which relieve the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. It works by increasing the contractions of the stomach and intestines, which aids in quick absorption of the painkilling paracetamol.

This preparation is available in tablet and powder form.

It is also sometimes known as: Paramax. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Paracetamol and Metoclopramide

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you are an alcoholic or drink a lot of alcohol
• if you suffer from epilepsy, porphyria (a blood disorder) or phaeochromocytoma (a growth affecting the adrenal glands)
• if you are so constipated that you feel there may be a blockage, if you have had surgery on your bowels within the last four days, if you have noticed that your stools have been blackened or bloody
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Paracetamol and Metoclopramide

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• If you have been supplied this preparation in powder form, one sachet should be dissolved in a quarter tumblerful of liquid before taking as directed.
• If the patient is over 20 years of age: Two sachets or two tablets should be taken at onset of migraine attack. A further two sachets or two tablets can be taken every four hours when required. No more than six sachets or tablets to be taken in 24 hours.
• If the patient is between 12 and 20 years of age: One sachet or one tablet should be taken at onset of migraine attack. A further one sachet or one tablet can be taken every four hours when required. No more than three sachets or tablets to be taken in 24 hours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this preparation contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours

Getting the most from your treatment

• This preparation can cause drowsiness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside this preparation.
• Do not take any other medicines containing paracetamol at the same time as this medicine. Remember many common over the counter preparations also contain paracetamol. Always read the label.

Can Paracetamol and Metoclopramide cause problems?

Along with their desired effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Twitching or trembling of the muscles in the face, body and eyes, a discharge from the nipples, drowsiness, a need to keep moving, diarrhoea, mood changes, skin rashes, oedema (swollen limbs).

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Paracetamol and Metoclopramide

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 29/10/2003