Generic name: metoclopramide (oral/injection) [ MET-oh-KLOE-pra-mide ]
Brand name: Reglan
Dosage forms: oral syrup (5 mg/5 mL), oral tablet (10 mg; 5 mg), oral tablet, disintegrating (10 mg; 5 mg)
Drug classes: GI stimulants, Miscellaneous antiemetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 9, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is metoclopramide?

Metoclopramide increases muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract. This speeds up the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines.

Metoclopramide oral (taken by mouth) is used for 4 to 12 weeks to treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux in people who have used other medications without relief.

Metoclopramide oral is also used to treat gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying) in people with diabetes, which can cause heartburn and stomach discomfort after meals.

Metoclopramide injection is used to treat severe diabetic gastroparesis. The injection is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery, or to aid in certain medical procedures involving the stomach or intestines.

Metoclopramide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Metoclopramide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking metoclopramide and call your doctor at once if you have any of these SIGNS OF A SERIOUS MOVEMENT DISORDER, which may occur within the first 2 days of treatment:

• tremors or shaking in your arms or legs;

• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement); or

• any new or unusual muscle movements you cannot control.

Metoclopramide may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• confusion, depression, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;

• slow or jerky muscle movements, problems with balance or walking;

• mask-like appearance in your face;

• a seizure;

• anxiety, agitation, jittery feeling, trouble staying still, trouble sleeping;

• swelling, feeling short of breath, rapid weight gain; or

• severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Common side effects of metoclopramide may include:

• feeling restless;

• feeling drowsy or tired;

• lack of energy;

• nausea, vomiting;

• headache, confusion; or

• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Do not use metoclopramide if you've ever had muscle movement problems after using metoclopramide or similar medicines, or if you've had a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia. You also should not use metoclopramide if you've had stomach or intestinal problems (a blockage, bleeding, or a hole or tear), epilepsy or other seizure disorder, or an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma).

NEVER USE METOCLOPRAMIDE IN LARGER AMOUNTS THAN RECOMMENDED, OR FOR LONGER THAN 12 WEEKS. High doses or long-term use of metoclopramide can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use metoclopramide, the more likely you are to develop this movement disorder. The risk of this side effect is higher in diabetics and older adults (especially women).

Call your doctor at once if you have uncontrollable muscle movements in your lips, tongue, eyes, face, arms, or legs.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use metoclopramide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• tardive dyskinesia (a disorder of involuntary movements);

• stomach or intestinal problems such as a blockage, bleeding, or perforation (a hole or tear in your stomach or intestines);

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma); or

• if you've ever had muscle movement problems after using metoclopramide or similar medicines.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease;

• problems with muscle movements;

• congestive heart failure or a heart rhythm disorder;

• high blood pressure;

• seizures;

• breast cancer;

• Parkinson's disease;

• diabetes; or

• depression or mental illness.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Metoclopramide may harm an unborn baby if you use the medicine during late pregnancy.

It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

Metoclopramide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use metoclopramide?

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

A metoclopramide injection is given into a muscle or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give the injection, usually during surgery, chemotherapy, or a medical procedure.

Metoclopramide oral is taken for only 4 to 12 weeks.

NEVER USE METOCLOPRAMIDE IN LARGER AMOUNTS THAN RECOMMENDED, OR FOR LONGER THAN 12 WEEKS. High doses or long-term use of metoclopramide can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use metoclopramide, the more likely you are to develop this movement disorder. The risk of this side effect is higher in diabetics and older adults (especially women).

Metoclopramide is usually taken 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime, or only with meals that usually cause heartburn. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Do not use two different forms of metoclopramide (such as tablets and oral syrup) at the same time.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

To take the orally disintegrating tablet (ODT):

• Remove a tablet from its blister pack only when you are ready to take the tablet. Use dry hands and take care not to damage a tablet while pushing it out of the blister.

• Place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve, without chewing or swallowing it whole. You may sip liquid if needed to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Store at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed.

After you stop taking metoclopramide, you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or nervousness.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, or uncontrolled muscle movements.

What should I avoid while taking metoclopramide?

Drinking alcohol with metoclopramide can cause side effects.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

What other drugs will affect metoclopramide?

Using metoclopramide with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before you take opioid pain medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect metoclopramide, especially:

• an antidepressant;

• antipsychotic medication;

• blood pressure medication;

• insulin;

• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease or restless leg syndrome; or

• an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect metoclopramide. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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