Macpee Tab

MACPEE TAB by INTAS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD

Name

• Brand Name: Macpee Tablet

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Bethanechol (25 mg)
• Macpee Tablet belongs to a class of medications known as muscarinic agonists or cholinergic agents.

Uses

Macpee Tablet is primarily prescribed for the management of urinary retention, a condition characterized by difficulty in passing urine or incomplete bladder emptying. It is particularly effective in cases arising:

• After surgery or childbirth.
• Due to weak bladder muscles or nerve-related issues affecting bladder function (nonobstructive urinary retention). It works by stimulating bladder muscles to contract, thereby improving bladder emptying and facilitating urine passage. Additionally, it may be used to manage reflux esophagitis and certain gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Dosage and Administration

• Macpee Tablet is for oral administration.
• The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed or chewed.
• It is typically recommended to take Macpee Tablet on an empty stomach, preferably one hour before or two hours after meals, to minimize the risk of nausea and vomiting.
• Dosage and frequency are determined by the physician based on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment. Patients should adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage and not alter it without consulting their doctor. Taking the medicine at the same time each day is advised for consistent efficacy.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache and dizziness
• Diarrhoea and stomach cramps/abdominal discomfort
• Sweating or flushing (reddening of the skin)
• Urgent desire to urinate, excessive salivation, increased bowel sounds, belching.

Serious Side Effects (Seek medical attention if experienced):

• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness
• Fainting or blurred vision
• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia, bradycardia) or a significant drop in blood pressure.
• Decreased body temperature (hypothermia).

Most side effects are temporary and generally resolve upon discontinuation of the medicine.

Precautions

• Contraindications: Macpee Tablet is not recommended for individuals with a known allergy to bethanechol, severe heart conditions (e.g., low blood pressure, slow heart rate, coronary artery disease, recent heart attack), asthma, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), peptic ulcers, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy/seizures, bladder neck obstruction, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, or acute inflammatory lesions of the digestive tract.
• Pregnancy: Use with caution and only if clearly necessary and advised by a doctor. It is categorized as a Category C medicine.
• Breastfeeding: Use with caution and only if clearly necessary and advised by a doctor.
• Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it can increase side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Due to the potential for dizziness and drowsiness, caution is advised when driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Children: Macpee Tablet is generally not recommended for children below 12 or 18 years of age due to insufficient safety and efficacy data, unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.
• Elderly Patients: Caution is advised, and it may not be recommended for patients over 70 years of age.
• It is crucial to inform the doctor about all current medications (including supplements and herbal remedies) and any pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., liver or kidney problems) before starting treatment.

Storage

• Store Macpee Tablet at room temperature, ideally below 30°C, in a cool and dry place.
• Protect the medicine from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.
• Always check the expiry date before use.

MACPEE TAB, manufactured by INTAS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, contains bethanechol as its active ingredient. It is primarily used to treat urinary retention.

What is MACPEE TAB used for?

MACPEE TAB is primarily used to treat urinary retention, which is difficulty in urinating. This condition often occurs after surgery, childbirth, or as a side effect of certain medications. Some sources also indicate its use for reflux esophagitis and gastrointestinal motility disorders.

How does MACPEE TAB work?

MACPEE TAB works by stimulating specific receptors (muscarinic receptors) in the body, making it a cholinergic agent. It increases the contractions and tone of the urinary bladder muscles (detrusor muscle), which helps to initiate urination and improve urine outflow, thereby emptying the bladder.

What is the usual dosage for MACPEE TAB?

The dosage of MACPEE TAB is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition. It is typically taken orally on an empty stomach, preferably one hour before or two hours after meals, to minimize the risk of nausea and vomiting. While the exact frequency can vary, it is often prescribed 3 to 4 times daily, with an effect lasting around 6 hours, so a similar gap between doses is often maintained. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of MACPEE TAB?

Common side effects can include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, an urgent desire to urinate, excessive salivation, flushing (reddening of the skin), and headache. More serious, though less common, side effects might involve shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, fainting, blurred vision, irregular heartbeats, or a significant drop in blood pressure. It may also cause drowsiness.

Is MACPEE TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During pregnancy: MACPEE TAB is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary and the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks, as there is evidence of risk to the developing baby. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. During breastfeeding: MACPEE TAB should be used with caution during breastfeeding, and it's generally advised to consult your doctor. While it's not definitively known if components pass into breast milk, it is often avoided unless considered clearly necessary by a healthcare provider.

Can MACPEE TAB be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are currently taking, as MACPEE TAB can interact with several drugs. It may interact with certain painkillers (e.g., diclofenac, ibuprofen), heart medications (e.g., procainamide, quinidine), and some cold or nasal congestion medications. Additionally, taking it with other cholinergic or anticholinergic drugs, or medications that influence heart rate or blood pressure, requires caution due to potential altered effects or increased side effects.

What precautions should be taken while taking MACPEE TAB?

Avoid MACPEE TAB if you have a known allergy to bethanechol or any of its ingredients. Do not consume alcohol as it can increase drowsiness, dizziness, and the risk of stomach ulcers. Since it can cause dizziness and drowsiness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Inform your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions, especially heart problems (e.g., low blood pressure, slow heartbeat), hyperthyroidism, peptic ulcers, asthma, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or any obstructions in the urinary or gastrointestinal tract. Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to prevent dizziness or fainting.

What happens if a dose of MACPEE TAB is missed?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose (e.g., the gap is two hours or more), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should MACPEE TAB be stored?

Store MACPEE TAB in a cool, dry place, typically at room temperature (below 30°C), away from direct sunlight and moisture. Always keep the medicine out of sight and reach of children.