Macfresh

Composition of Macfresh

Macfresh contains Etizolam (0.5mg). It belongs to the Benzodiazepine / sedative-hypnotic class of medicines.

Uses of Macfresh

• This medicine is used in the treatment of anxiety
• insomnia
• panic disorder
• seizures and muscle spasm.

Key benefits

• Rapid relief of severe anxiety
• Short-term help with sleep
• Controls acute seizures

How Macfresh works

Etilax Md 0.5 Tablet Sugar Free is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (gaba) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

How to take Macfresh

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Etizox 0.5mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause deep unconsciousness and dangerously slow breathing, particularly with alcohol or an opioid. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Macfresh

Most side effects of Macfresh are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Unsteadiness
• Poor concentration
• Memory lapses
• Dry mouth

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Macfresh

Warnings and precautions

These medicines cause dependence. They are intended for the shortest possible course — usually two to four weeks — and are not a long-term treatment for anxiety or sleeplessness. Never stop a regular course suddenly. Withdrawal can cause severe anxiety, tremor and fits. Your doctor will taper it slowly. Do not drive or operate machinery. Drowsiness and slowed reactions can continue into the next day. Never combine with alcohol or with opioid painkillers — together they can stop your breathing. Older people are far more likely to fall, become confused or have memory problems on these medicines. Several of these are Schedule H1 medicines and must be dispensed against a prescription and entered in the pharmacy register.

Do not take Macfresh if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for people with severe breathing problems, sleep apnoea, or severe liver disease. Not for anyone with a history of dependence, except under specialist supervision.

Interactions with other medicines

Alcohol, opioids, antihistamines, muscle relaxants and other sedatives all deepen the sedation, sometimes fatally.

How to store Macfresh

Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Macfresh

Use it for the shortest course, and ask your doctor about talking therapy and sleep routine, which work without dependence. Take it only at bedtime if it is for sleep, and allow a full night before driving. Never share these medicines, and keep them secured.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD

Therapeutic class:

Anxiolytic and hypnotic

Drug class:

Benzodiazepine / sedative-hypnotic