Medicine - M

MabCampath is used to treat patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a cancer of the lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). It is used in patients for whom treatment combinations including fludarabine (another medicine used in leukaemia) are not appropriate.

MabThera (Rituximab) may be used for the treatment of three different conditions: Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and Rheumatoid arthritis.

Most urine infections are caused by bacteria that come from your own bowel. They are usually easily treated with a short course of an antibacterial medicine such as Macrodantin.

Madopar capsules contain two medicines called levodopa and benserazide. They are used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Malarone tablets contain two active ingredients, proguanil hydrochloride and atovaquone. These are both medicines that are active against the parasite that causes malaria.

Manerix contains a medicine called Moclobemide. This belongs to a group of medicines called antidepressants. Manerix is used to treat depression and social phobia.

Marviol is a combined oral contraceptive (‘the combined Pill’). Each tablet contains a small amount of two different female hormones. These are desogestrel (a progestogen) and ethinylestradiol (an estrogen).

Maxidex eye drops contain the active ingredient dexamethasone. Dexamethasone belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids that are used for reducing inflammation.

Maxitrol eye drops and ointment both contain three active ingredients, dexamethasone, neomycin and polymyxin B. Dexamethasone belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids that are used for reducing inflammation. Neomycin and polymyxin B are antibiotics that are included in these drops to prevent infections with bacteria.

Metoclopramide is used to help prevent you from feeling or being sick. Metoclopramide may make you feel drowsy. If this happens do not drive and do not use tools or machines until you feel well again. If you experience any unusual movements of your body, head, face or eyes, speak with your doctor or pharmacist straightaway. To reduce the chances of you experiencing these side-effects, metoclopramide should not normally be taken for more than five days in a row.

Medrone tablets contain the active ingredient methylprednisolone, which is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands. They have many important functions in the body, including control of inflammatory responses.

Mefac is used to relieve pain and inflammation in a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including those below. It can also be used to relieve  some other types of pain, and to reduce blood loss in women with very heavy periods.

Melatonin is a natural, non-addicting hormone supplement that assists with sleep.

Ibuprofen helps to reduce inflammation and to reduce pain. Ibuprofen can take a few weeks to help improve inflammation but can start to relieve pain after the first few doses.

Ebixa is a drug prescribed to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

Menopur (Menotrophin) is used to treat infertility in men and women.

Meptid tablets and injection contain the active ingredient meptazinol, which is a type of medicine called an opioid analgesic (painkiller). It is related to morphine.

Mercilon tablets are a type of hormonal contraception commonly known as 'the pill' or combined oral contraceptive pill. Mercilon tablets contain two active ingredients, ethinylestradiol and desogestrel. These are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Ethinylestradiol is a synthetic version of oestrogen and desogestrel is a 'third generation' synthetic form of progesterone.

Mesalazine is an anti-inflammatory medicine used to treat ulcerative colitis and to prevent further episodes of Crohn’s disease.

Mestinon tablets contain the active ingredient pyridostigmine bromide, which is a type of medicine called an anticholinesterase. It works by prolonging the action of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.