Metoclopramide (Maxolon): sickness treatment and 5-day limit

Metoclopramide treats or prevents nausea and vomiting. The NHS gives preventing sickness after chemotherapy or radiotherapy and treating nausea that comes with migraine as examples. It is prescription-only and comes as tablets or as a liquid, and Maxolon is a brand name the NHS mentions.

The NHS page does not give a time to onset, so how quickly it helps is something your prescriber or the leaflet will explain.

It is taken up to three times a day. The NHS is firm that you must leave at least 6 hours between doses, even if you are sick after taking one, because taking more than directed can be dangerous. The amount depends on your age, weight and reason for use, and your prescriber will tell you.

It is normally prescribed for a short time, since side effects are more likely if it is taken for longer than 5 days.

• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is near, in which case skip it.

• Never take a double dose.

• Taking too much can be dangerous; call NHS 111, or 999 if directed, and take the packaging and your medicines list with you.

Most adults and children aged 1 year and over can take metoclopramide. It is not suitable if you have had a previous allergic reaction or serious side effect to it, if you have epilepsy or Parkinson's disease, or if you have a blockage or tear in the digestive tract or have recently had gut surgery. Tell the prescriber about any other conditions you have.

Common effects are drowsiness (do not drive or use machinery if affected), low mood, diarrhoea, and weakness or tiredness. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if they bother you or do not go away.

The NHS highlights uncontrollable movements, such as tics, tremors, muscle stiffness and spasms, as the commonest serious problem. Other serious reactions are anaphylaxis (swollen throat or tongue, a raised itchy rash and breathing difficulty), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (high temperature, heavy sweating, muscle stiffness and increasing confusion), hallucinations, and a slow heartbeat causing dizziness, chest pain, tiredness and breathlessness. Call 999 for anaphylaxis or suspected neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and NHS 111 for other serious effects.

Suspected side effects can be reported through the Yellow Card scheme.

Metoclopramide can be used in pregnancy if needed, after your doctor has discussed the risks and benefits with you. It is not usually used while breastfeeding, so tell the prescriber if you are nursing. The NHS page does not address fertility.

Medicines that may not mix well with it include SSRI antidepressants, Parkinson's disease medicines, antipsychotics, and sedating medicines such as those for anxiety and strong painkillers. This is not a full list, so share everything you take with your pharmacist.

It is best not to drink alcohol, because this increases the chance of side effects. If you feel drowsy, avoid driving until it passes. You can eat and drink as normal.

Domperidone and cyclizine are alternative anti-sickness medicines with their own guides, chosen according to the cause of the sickness and your other conditions.