Metoclopramide
Molecule Description
Metoclopramide belongs to Dopamine-Receptor Antagonist that is used to treat mo
stly for stomach and oesophageal (food pipe) problems.
Uses of Metoclopramide
- To treat and prevent the slow emptying of the stomach in some conditions such as in diabetic gastroparesis
- To prevent heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disorder (a situation in which acid from the stomach comes into the food pipe)
- To prevent and treat nausea and vomiting
Contraindications of Metoclopramide
When should one not use Metoclopramide
- Allergic reaction to Metoclopramide
- You have bleeding, obstruction or a tear in your stomach or gut
- Confirmed or suspected adrenal tumor (pheochromocytoma)
- History of involuntary muscle spasms (tardive dyskinesia)
- Fits (epilepsy)
- Parkinson's disease
- If you are on a medicine for Parkinson's disease called Levodopa
- History of abnormality in blood pigment (methemoglobinemia)
Side effects of Metoclopramide
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Breast enlargement or discharge (men and women)
- Missed menstrual period
- Decreased sexual ability
- Frequent urination
- Serious side effects are tightening of the muscles, especially in the jaw or neck, speech problems, depression, muscle stiffness, confusion, fast, slow or irregular heartbeat, sweating, restlessness, nervousness or jitteriness, agitation, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, foot-tapping, slow or stiff movements, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, difficulty keeping your balance, rash, hives, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, hands, feet, ankles, mouth, throat, arms or lower legs, sudden weight gain...
Precautions and Warnings of Metoclopramide
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Metoclopramide during pregnancy?
A:
There is limited data on the safety of this medicine in pregnancy. During pregnancy, this medicine should be used when advised by your doctor.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Metoclopramide while breastfeeding?
A:
Metoclopramide passes into breast milk and can adversely affect the baby. Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Metoclopramide?
A:
Driving can be dangerous. Avoid driving as this medicine cause involuntary muscle spasms, drowsiness and impair your ability to drive.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Metoclopramide?
A:
Metoclopramide when taken along with alcohol can cause excessive drowsiness.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have heart problems
- You have abnormality with the levels of salts in your blood such as potassium, sodium and magnesium
- You have liver or kidney problems
- Do not take this medicine more than three months
Mode of Action of Metoclopramide
How Does It Work?
It increases stomach and intestinal motility. This speeds up the process of food emptying from the stomach into the intestine.
Interactions of Metoclopramide
Interactions with other medicines
- Fluoxetine (medicine for depression treatment)
- Low strength Aspirin
- Ondansetron and Vitamin D3
- Levodopa and Parkinson’s medicine
- Digoxin (medicine for heart failure treatment)
Interactions with food items
No known food interaction.
Dosage of Metoclopramide
Overdose
Inform your doctor immediately in case of overdose. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, seizures, unusual, uncontrollable movements, lack of energy, bluish coloring of the skin, headache, shortness of breath....
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the time for the next dose is near, skip the missed dose & do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Mansi Savla
B. Pharm, PharmD
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking this medicine?
A: Give a detailed account of your medical and surgical history. Also, mention to your doctor all the prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal preparations and nutritional supplements that you may be taking before starting this medication.
Q: What special precautions should I follow?
A: Ask your doctor about the safety in having alcoholic beverages when you are taking Metoclopramide. Alcohol can cause side effects of Metoclopramide.
References
View All
- medicineplus.metoclopramide. [Accessed 27.Jun.2019] (online)
- Ema.metoclopramide. [Accessed 27.Jun.2019] (online)
- Webmed.metoclopramide. [Accessed 27.Jun.2019] (online)
- Lactmed.metoclopramide. [Accessed 27.Jun.2019] (online) Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Metoclopramide. [Updated 2018 Oct 31].
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