Drug Name

Metoclopramide

Drug Uses

Metoclopramide is used for short term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in certain patients who do not respond to other therapy. It is used to treat symptoms of a certain digestive problem in diabetic patients (diabetic gastroparesis). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Metoclopramide as directed by your doctor.

• Take Metoclopramide by mouth 30 minutes before meals.
• It may take several days to weeks for Metoclopramide to work. Do not stop taking Metoclopramide without checking with your doctor.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Metoclopramide is a gastrointestinal stimulant and anti-nauseant. It works by increasing the movement of the stomach and intestines to help move food and acid out of the stomach more quickly. It also works in certain areas in the brain to decrease nausea.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Metoclopramide, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Metoclopramide at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Metoclopramide out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Metoclopramide if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Metoclopramide;
• you have seizures (e.g., epilepsy); bleeding, blockage, or perforation in your stomach or intestines; or tumors on your adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma);
• you are taking cabergoline or pergolide;
• you are taking medicines, such as phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), that may cause extrapyramidal reactions (abnormal, involuntary muscle movements of the head, neck, or limbs).

• Metoclopramide may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Metoclopramide with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (e.g., sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Metoclopramide without first checking with your doctor; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Diabetes patients - Metoclopramide may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Metoclopramide . Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
• Lab tests, including liver and kidney function tests, may be performed while you use Metoclopramide . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Metoclopramide while you are pregnant. Metoclopramide is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Metoclopramide , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• decreased energy; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nausea; restlessness; tiredness; trouble sleeping.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); abnormal thinking; confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination; decreased sexual ability; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; loss of bladder control; mental or mood changes (e.g., depression, anxiety, agitation, jitteriness); seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, headache, or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent restlessness, including inability to sit still; shortness of breath; stiff or rigid muscles; sudden increased sweating; sudden unusual weight gain; suicidal thoughts or actions; swelling of the arms, legs, or feet; uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., of the arms, legs, tongue, jaw, cheeks; twitching; tremors); vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Metoclopramide is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.