“FEMINAX” PRODUCT INFORMATION FACTFILE as at 14th Sept. 2005.
How does it work?
This medicine contains four active ingredients: paracetamol, codeine, caffeine and hyoscine.
Paracetamol is a medicine used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. It is also useful for reducing fever. Codeine belongs to group of medicines called opioids. Opioids mimic the effects of naturally occurring pain reducing chemicals (endorphins) that are found in the brain and spinal cord. They act on the opioid receptors in the brain and block the transmission of pain signals. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, the perception of the pain is changed.
Hyoscine is an anticholinergic medicines which acts on receptors (muscarinic receptors) located on the smooth muscle of the gut. This causes the muscles of the gut and surrounding tissues to relax, thereby preventing gut spasm and associated colic pain, diarrhoea and nausea and/or vomiting.
Caffeine is a weak stimulant. It is thought that the addition of caffeine may enhance the analgesic effects of paracetamol and codeine.
This preparation acts to decrease pain and gut spasm associated with period pain (dysmenorrhoea).
Warning!
· This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.
· Don't take other preparations also containing paracetamol.
· Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine, which will be stated in the product packaging or information leaflet supplied with the medicine.
· There is no recommended dosage for females less than 12 years of age.
Use with caution in
· Alcoholic liver disease without Cirrhosis
· Decreased kidney function
· Decreased liver function (hepatic dysfunction)
Not to be used at all in
· Glaucoma
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
· Constipation
· Blurred vision
· Dry mouth
· Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)
· Skin rashes
· Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)
· Hypersensitivity reactions such as narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), swelling of the lips, throat and tongue (angioedema) or severe skin reaction (toxic epidermal necrolysis)
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
Interactions with other Medicines or Drugs taken at the same time as “Feminax” :
Prolonged or regular use of paracetamol may increase the effect of anti-clotting medicines such as warfarin. Blood monitoring may need to be performed.
An excessive intake of alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the liver when taken with paracetamol.
Cholestyramine may reduce the absorption of paracetamol from the gut.
Metaclopramide may increase the effects of paracetamol.
When taken together with other medicines that have a sedative effect on the central nervous system for example, alcohol, sleeping medicines, antidepressants and antihistamines, drowsiness is likely to be increased.
The above information was correct as at 14th Sept. 2006. “Over-Count Drugs Information Agency”