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Paracetamol and metoclopramide

This preparation is not suitable for children under the age of 12 years.
Contains paracetamol - do not take with other preparations that contain paracetamol.

About paracetamol and metoclopramide

Type of medicine Antimigraine
Used for Migraine
Also called Paramax
Available as Tablets and sachets

About paracetamol and metoclopramide

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 reduces sickness by increasing the contractions of the stomach and intestines. This action also helps quicken the absorption of the painkilling paracetamol.

Before taking paracetamol and metoclopramide

Before taking paracetamol and metoclopramide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are under 12 years of age. 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. If you are so constipated that you feel there may be a blockage. If you have had surgery on your stomach or bowels within the last four days. If you have noticed that your stools are blackened or if there is blood present. If you have allergies or have asthma. If you have porphyria (a blood disorder). If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a growth affecting the adrenal glands). If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines. If you have ever had a reaction to either paracetamol or metoclopramide, or any other medicine.

How to take paracetamol and metoclopramide

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet. Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you are over 20 years of age: take two sachets or two tablets at the beginning of a migraine attack. A further two sachets or two tablets can be taken every four hours if required, but do not take more than six sachets or six tablets in any 24 hour period. If you are between 12 and 20 years of age: take one sachet or one tablet at the beginning of a migraine attack. A further one sachet or one tablet can be taken every four hours if required, but do not take more than three sachets or tablets in any 24 hour period. If you have been supplied the sachets, dissolve the powder from the sachet(s) in a quarter of a glassful of water before swallowing.

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. 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 or ask your pharmacist. If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Can paracetamol and metoclopramide cause problems?

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

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery, or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluid
Dizziness, light-headedness Moving and getting up slowly should help.
Breast changes, loss of menstrual periods, mood changes, weakness or skin rash Discuss these with your doctor

Important: If you experience sweating, fever, stiffness or confusion, or if you experience uncontrolled body or face movements, drowsiness, or a decreased level of consciousness, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department straight away.

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

How to store paracetamol and metoclopramide

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Paramax Tablets, Sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised August 2007, accessed February 2009.Manufacturer's PIL, Paramax Effervescent Powder, Sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised August 2007, accessed February 2009.British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London. Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
EMIS 2009 DocID: 3238 DocRef: dils2113 Last Reviewed: 12 May 2009 Version: 22

Author:EMIS
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