Metoclopramide Oral: MedlinePlus Drug Information

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Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Metoclopramide Oral

(met oh kloe pra' mide)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause?	What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know? Brand names

IMPORTANT WARNING: Return to top

[Posted 02/26/2009] FDA notified healthcare professionals that manufacturers of metoclopramide (Reglan), a drug used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, must add a boxed warning to their drug labels about the risk of its long-term or high-dose use. Chronic use of metoclopramide has been linked to tardive dyskinesia, which may include involuntary and repetitive movements of the body, even after the drugs are no longer taken. These symptoms are rarely reversible and there is no known treatment. Metoclopramide is available in a variety of formulations including tablets, syrups and injections. Names of metoclopramide-containing products include Reglan Tablets, Reglan Oral Disintegrating Tablets, Metoclopramide Oral Solution, and Reglan Injection. Manufacturers will be required to implement a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy [REMS] to ensure patients are provided with a medication guide that discusses this risk. Current product labeling warns of the risk of tardive dyskinesia with chronic metoclopramide treatment. For more information visit the FDA website at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch.

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.

Metoclopramide is used to relieve nausea and vomiting; heartburn, stomach pain, and bloating; and a persistent feeling of fullness after meals.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Metoclopramide comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metoclopramide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before taking metoclopramide,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metoclopramide or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amobarbital (Amytal), insulin, narcotics (pain medications), phenobarbital, sedatives, tranquilizers, and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an adrenal tumor; a seizure disorder; Parkinson's disease; high blood pressure; heart, liver, or kidney disease; a history of mental illness or depression; or an intestinal blockage or bleeding.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking metoclopramide, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking metoclopramide.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top

Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.

Metoclopramide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

drowsiness
restlessness
fatigue
constipation
diarrhea

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

involuntary movements of the limbs or eyes
spasm of the neck, face, and jaw muscles
change in mood (depression)

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know? Return to top

Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names Return to top

Metoclopramide Hydrochloride Intensol®

Reglan®

Reglan® Syrup

Last Reviewed - 04/01/2009

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

AHFS^® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2009. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.