Maxilase® is a medicine available in syrup or tablets to relieve mild sore throats without fever. In 2019, the ANSM warned of “a known risk of allergic reactions, which are very rare but can be serious”.
Prescribed to relieve sore throat, Maxilase syrup® and its generics are not no longer available in free access in pharmacies, by decision of the Medicines Agency of November 28, 2019. In question “A risk known to allergic reactionsvery rare but can be serious” explained the ANSM.
From what age can you take Maxilase?
The syrup form can be administered at the infant from the age of 6 months with body weight minimum of 7 kg. In contrast, Maxilase® tablet is reserved for adults.
What are the side effects of Maxilase Syrup?
The drug Maxilase® in syrup may be responsible for digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting) or skin disorders like hives and itching. More rarely, it can cause severe allergic reaction manifesting as a subcutaneous edema, swelling of the face, hypotension and contraction of the bronchi resulting in asphyxiation.
What are the side effects of Maxilase tablets?
The side effects of Maxilase® in tablets are identical to those of the oral form since both forms contain the same active ingredient. Maxilase® tablets may cause digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting) or skin conditions such as hives and itching. He may also be responsible for a allergic reaction rare but serious manifested by a subcutaneous edema, swelling of the face, hypotension and contraction of the bronchi resulting in asphyxiation.
Does Maxilase put you to sleep?
This drug does not induce no drowsiness. Thus, vehicle drivers and machine users can take Maxilase® without risk.
What are the warning signs of an allergy to Maxilase?
When the drug is prescribed and/or dispensed, the patient is informed of the allergic risk and the associated warning signs. He must alert himself to a serious allergic reaction which is characterized by drop in blood pressure and difficulty breathing may be accompanied by a facial swelling, but also in the face of mild symptoms such as rash and itchy skin.
In case of a history of allergy, the drug should never be reused later
What to do in case of allergic signs?
As soon as mild or severe allergic signs appear, the patient should stop treatment without delay and consult a doctor as quickly as possible. In case of a history of allergy, the drug should not never be reused later. Note that such symptoms may occur during the very first intake of Maxilase®.
What are the contraindications of Maxilase?
This medication has no particular contraindications except allergy to one of its components. In the absence of sufficient data, the use of Maxilase® is Avoid during pregnancy and lactation. Due to the presence of sucrose, taking it is also not recommended for people with a fructose and glucose intolerance or malabsorption syndrome. In addition, this drug is prohibited in any patient who has already had an allergic reaction during a previous intake. Maxilase® should not be taken for more than 5 days. If symptoms persist or worsen, treatment should be reassessed by a physician.
Can Maxilase be taken with other medications?
It is entirely possible to take Maxilase® concomitantly with other medications. No drug interactions have been listed.
Alternatives: what to take instead of Maxilase?
To treat mild sore throats, there are several therapeutic alternatives:
- of the lozenges or a mouthwash containing an antiseptic associated or not with a local anesthetic
- a drug based on paracetamol (Doliprane®, Dafalgan®, Efferalgan®, etc.)
- there specialty Pholcones® in suppositories (reserved for adults)
In a context of bacterial infection, an antibiotic may be prescribed in addition to one of these treatments, but it does not replace Maxilase®.
Sources:
– Public drug database
– Sore throats and alpha-amylase-based drugs: the ANSM wants more information on the risks of allergy via the pharmacist’s advice, 06/01/2021, ANSM