Maxeran: What to Know About This Prescription Medication

Summary

Maxeran is a former Canadian brand name for metoclopramide, a prescription medication that affects movement in the digestive system and signals involved in nausea and vomiting. Health Canada's Drug Product Database lists the former Maxeran tablet products as cancelled post-market, while metoclopramide products remain available in Canada under other product names.

What is Maxeran?

Maxeran was a brand name for metoclopramide, a medication in the antiemetic and gastrointestinal prokinetic drug classes. Metoclopramide affects certain dopamine receptors and also influences movement through the upper digestive tract.

In Canada, Health Canada's Drug Product Database currently lists the former Maxeran 5 mg and 10 mg tablet products as cancelled post-market. Other metoclopramide products, including oral and injectable formulations, are listed separately.

This distinction matters if you are searching for Maxeran by its former brand name. A pharmacist can help you determine whether a currently marketed metoclopramide product is relevant to your prescription.

What is the generic name for Maxeran?

The generic name associated with Maxeran is metoclopramide. Health Canada's Drug Product Database identifies metoclopramide hydrochloride as the active ingredient in the former Maxeran products.

How does metoclopramide work?

Metoclopramide acts on specific chemical signalling pathways in the nervous system and digestive tract.

It can influence signals involved in nausea and vomiting and can also affect the movement of the upper digestive tract. Its effects on gastrointestinal movement are related to how quickly food and other contents move through parts of the digestive system.

The exact effect of the medication depends on the individual, the formulation and the reason it has been prescribed.

How is metoclopramide taken?

Metoclopramide is available in different formulations, including oral products and injectable products. Health Canada's Drug Product Database currently lists marketed prescription metoclopramide products in Canada, including oral and injectable formulations.

If you have been prescribed an oral metoclopramide product, follow the instructions provided with your specific prescription. The amount and frequency depend on your individual circumstances and the product prescribed.

Do not change your dose, take it more frequently or use it for longer than prescribed unless your practitioner tells you to do so.

What are the possible side effects of metoclopramide?

Like other prescription medications, metoclopramide can cause side effects.

Possible effects can include drowsiness, restlessness, fatigue, headache and gastrointestinal symptoms. Some people can experience movement-related effects, which can involve unusual or uncontrolled muscle movements.

The risk of certain adverse effects can depend on factors such as the dose, duration of use and individual health circumstances.

If you notice a new, persistent or concerning symptom while taking metoclopramide, speak with your practitioner or pharmacist. They can help determine whether the symptom may be related to your medication and whether further assessment is appropriate.

Important: Movement-related symptoms or other unusual reactions should not be ignored. Speak with a healthcare professional promptly if you develop concerning or uncontrolled movements.

Can metoclopramide interact with other medications?

Yes. Metoclopramide can interact with other medications, so your practitioner and pharmacist should know about everything you take.

This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins and supplements. Some medications can affect the nervous system or digestive tract in ways that may be relevant when combined with metoclopramide.

Before starting a new medication or supplement, check with a pharmacist if you are unsure whether it can be taken with metoclopramide.

What precautions should I know about?

Your practitioner may consider your medical history, other medications and how long metoclopramide is expected to be used before prescribing it.

Certain neurological conditions, gastrointestinal problems and other health circumstances may affect whether metoclopramide is appropriate for an individual.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding should also be discussed with a practitioner so that your individual circumstances can be considered.

Because metoclopramide can cause drowsiness or other effects that may affect alertness, be cautious with activities such as driving until you know how the medication affects you.

How long can metoclopramide be used?

The appropriate duration of metoclopramide use depends on the individual prescription and circumstances.

Longer use can be associated with a greater risk of certain adverse effects, including movement-related reactions. For this reason, treatment duration should follow the instructions of the prescribing practitioner rather than being extended independently.

If you have been taking metoclopramide for longer than expected or are unsure how long you should continue, speak with your practitioner or pharmacist.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of metoclopramide, follow the instructions provided with your prescription or ask your pharmacist what to do.

Do not automatically take an extra dose to make up for a missed one. If you frequently forget doses, your pharmacist can also help you find a medication routine that works for you.

When should I speak with a healthcare practitioner?

Speak with a practitioner if you develop persistent or bothersome symptoms while taking metoclopramide, have questions about your prescription or are starting another medication or supplement.

You should seek prompt medical attention if you experience unusual or uncontrolled movements, severe changes in alertness, a seizure or another serious or rapidly worsening reaction.

A practitioner can review your symptoms, medication history and other health factors and determine whether further assessment or a change in treatment is appropriate.

How Pocketpills can help

If you have a prescription for metoclopramide or another medication, Pocketpills can make managing your prescriptions more convenient. You can transfer eligible prescriptions to Pocketpills and have your medications delivered to your home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maxeran?

Maxeran was a Canadian brand name for metoclopramide, a prescription medication. Health Canada's Drug Product Database currently lists Maxeran 5 mg and 10 mg tablet products as cancelled post-market. Metoclopramide products remain listed in Canada under other product names.

What is the generic name for Maxeran?

The generic name associated with Maxeran is metoclopramide. Health Canada's Drug Product Database identifies metoclopramide hydrochloride as the active ingredient in the former Maxeran products.

What are the side effects of Maxeran?

Possible side effects associated with metoclopramide include drowsiness, restlessness, fatigue, headache and gastrointestinal symptoms. Movement-related reactions can also occur. If you experience unusual, persistent or concerning symptoms, speak with a practitioner or pharmacist.

Can metoclopramide interact with other medications?

Yes. Metoclopramide can interact with other medications. Tell your practitioner and pharmacist about all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins and supplements you take so they can assess potential interactions.

Is Maxeran still available in Canada?

Health Canada's Drug Product Database currently lists the former Maxeran 5 mg and 10 mg tablet products as cancelled post-market. Other metoclopramide products remain listed as marketed or approved prescription products in Canada. A pharmacist can help you identify currently available products containing metoclopramide.