What is Metoclopramide?
Metoclopramide causes muscle contractions to increase in the upper digestive system. The stomach is emptied faster into the intestines. For 4–12 weeks, metoclopramide (taken orally) can be used to relieve heartburn due to gastroesophageal reflux in patients who have tried other medicines without success. The oral form of metoclopramide is used for the treatment of gastroparesis, a condition that causes heartburn or stomach discomfort following meals. The injection of metoclopramide is given to patients with severe diabetic gastroparesis. It is used for nausea or vomiting that may be caused by surgery or chemotherapy, as well as to help with certain procedures that involve the stomach and intestines. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of metoclopramide.
Side effects of Metoclopramide
If you experience any of the following signs of allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in lips, face, throat or tongue
If you experience any of the following signs of a severe movement disease, it is important to call your doctor immediately. This may happen within 2 days after starting treatment.
- You may experience tremors in your legs or arms.
- Uncontrolled facial movements (such as lip-smacking, frowning, tongue movements, or blinking)
- Any new or abnormal muscle movements that you can't control
Metoclopramide can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Confusion; thoughts of harming or killing yourself.
- Slow or jerky movements of the muscles; difficulties with walking or balance;
- Mask-like appearance on your face
- A seizure;
- Anxiety, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, feeling jittery
- Rapid weight gain, swelling and shortness of breath.
- Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff muscles (rigid), high fever, sweating, and confusion. Fast or irregular heartbeats. Tremors. Feeling like you may pass out.
Side effects associated with metoclopramide include:
- Feeling restless
- Feeling tired or drowsy
- Lack of energy
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Headache, confusion;
- Sleep problems (insomnia).
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Please report adverse reactions by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
You should not take metoclopramide if your muscle movements have been affected by metoclopramide and similar medications. This includes if you suffer from a condition called tardive dyskinesia. Metoclopramide should also not be used if you have had stomach and intestinal problems, such as a tear or hole, bleeding, or blockage. Never use metoclopramide in higher doses than recommended or for longer than 12 weeks. Metoclopramide overdose or prolonged usage can lead to a severe movement disorder, which may be irreversible. This movement disorder is more common the longer you take metoclopramide. This side effect occurs more frequently in older women and diabetics. If you experience uncontrollable movements of your tongue, lips, eyelids, face, arm, or leg, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you're allergic to metoclopramide or have any of the following:
- The disorder is called tardive dyskinesia.
- Stomach or intestinal issues such as bleeding or perforation.
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- An adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);
- If you have ever experienced muscle problems following the use of metoclopramide or other similar medications,
If you've ever:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Problems with muscular movements
- Congestive heart failure, or an abnormal heart rhythm;
- High blood pressure
- Seizures;
- Breast Cancer
- Parkinson's disease;
- Diabetes;
- Depression or mental illness.
The medicine you are taking may contain phenylalanine. If you suffer from phenylketonuria, be sure to read and adhere to the directions on your medication label. Inform your doctor that you're pregnant. Metoclopramide can harm a baby when taken late in pregnancy. You may be unable to breastfeed your baby while taking this medication. You should ask your doctor if there are any possible risks. Metoclopramide should not be used by those under the age of 18.
How to take Metoclopramide?
Read and follow all instructions listed on your medication's label, including those found on its prescription label. The injection of metoclopramide is administered into the muscle or in a vein. The injection is usually given by a healthcare professional during a surgical procedure, chemotherapy, or medical procedure. Oral metoclopramide is only taken between 4 and 12 weeks. Never use metoclopramide in higher doses than recommended or for longer than 12 weeks. Metoclopramide overdoses and long-term usage can lead to a severe movement disorder, which may be irreversible. This movement disorder is more common the longer you take metoclopramide. This side effect occurs more frequently in older women and diabetics. Take metoclopramide 30 minutes prior to eating, before bedtime, or with only meals that cause you heartburn. Do not neglect to follow your doctor's orders. Use only one form of metoclopramide at a time (e.g., tablets or oral syrup). Measuring liquid medication is important. Dosing devices are available, but not spoons.
Take the Orally Disintegrating Tablet (ODT).
- Only remove a tablet's blister when you want to use it. When removing a tablet from the blister, use dry hands to avoid damaging it.
- You can dissolve the tablet by placing it in your mouth without having to chew or swallow it. If you need to, sip some liquid in order to swallow the tablet.
Keep the container tightly closed and at room temperature, far from heat or moisture. Close the bottle tightly. You may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms after stopping metoclopramide. These include headaches, nausea, and nervousness.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never take more than one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Overdose symptoms include confusion or drowsiness.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol consumption with metoclopramide may cause adverse effects. Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine affects you. You may be unable to react properly.
Interaction with other drug
Metoclopramide can make this worse if taken with drugs that cause drowsiness. Before taking opioid pain medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, anxiety or depression medicines, or medication for seizures, ask your doctor.
Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking. Metoclopramide can be affected by many drugs, including:
- Antidepressants are a type of medication.
- Antipsychotic medications
- Blood pressure medications
- Insulin;
- Medicine to treat Parkinson’s disease or restless legs syndrome
- An MAO inhibitor—isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.
Metoclopramide can be affected by many drugs not listed here. These include prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and other products. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.
