Metoclopramide
About Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide belongs to a group of medicines called anti-emetics and prokinetic agents used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and which might occur after migraine. Additionally, Metoclopramide is also used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetic gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying in people with diabetes), heartburn, ulcers and sores in the oesophagus.
Metoclopramide contains ‘metoclopramide’ that works by increasing the motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract; this allows faster transit of food and reduces the symptoms of GERD and gastric emptying. It also works on the part of the brain that controls vomiting, thereby helps in preventing nausea and vomiting.
In some cases, Metoclopramide may cause common side-effects such as restlessness, fatigue, drowsiness, diarrhoea, weakness, and lassitude (lack of energy). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not take Metoclopramide for more than 3 months as it might increase the risk of tardive dyskinesia (movement disorder). Consult your doctor before taking Metoclopramide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Metoclopramide may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so avoid driving until you know how Metoclopramide affects you. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Metoclopramide as it could lead to increased drowsiness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any interactions.
Uses of Metoclopramide
Medicinal Benefits
Metoclopramide belongs to a group of medicines called anti-emetics and prokinetic agents used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and which might occur after migraine. Additionally, Metoclopramide is also used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetic gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying in people with diabetes), heartburn, ulcers and sores in the oesophagus. Metoclopramide contains ‘metoclopramide’ that works by increasing the motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract; this allows faster transit of food and reduces the symptoms of GERD and gastric emptying. It also affects the dopamine receptor in the brain and gut, thereby helps in preventing nausea and vomiting.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Metoclopramide
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhoea
- Weakness
- Lassitude (lack of energy)
Drug Warnings
Do not take Metoclopramide if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have bleeding or obstruction in the stomach, tardive dyskinesia (movement disorder), pheochromocytoma (tumour in the adrenal glands), or epilepsy. Talk to your doctor before taking Metoclopramide if you have heart problems, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, breast cancer, seizures, liver or kidney problems, Parkinson’s disease, methaemoglobinaemia; if you are taking levodopa or if you have gastrointestinal surgery in the last 3-4days. Do not take Metoclopramide for more than three months as it might increase the risk of tardive dyskinesia; the risk increases if you are older, especially if you are an older woman or if you have diabetes. Consult your doctor immediately if you cannot stop or control movements like shaking your arms and legs, blinking and moving your eyes, sticking out the tongue, frowning, lip-smacking, chewing, or puckering up the mouth.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Metoclopramide may interact with pain killers (aspirin, acetaminophen), antidepressants (duloxetine), antihistamine (diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety (alprazolam), anticonvulsant (pregabalin), antiparkinson (levodopa). Inform your doctor if you are taking anti-hypertensive agents, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (anti-depressants), anti-psychotics, anti-diabetic (insulin), narcotics and sleep medicines.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have gastrointestinal disorders, depression, seizures, fluid retention, high blood pressure, parkinsonism, pheochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a nervous disorder with high fever and muscle stiffness), Tardive dyskinesia (jerky, stiff movements of the face), and kidney dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Metoclopramide as it may make some side effects worse such as increased sleepiness and drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Metoclopramide if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Metoclopramide if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionMetoclopramide may cause dizziness, drowsiness and fatigue. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Metoclopramide affects you.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor before taking Metoclopramide if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor before taking Metoclopramide if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionMetoclopramide tablets are not recommended for children due to the risk of tardive dyskinesia, extrapyramidal symptoms as well as risk of methemoglobinemia in neonates. Metoclopramide drops should be given to children only if prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Drink fluids to stay hydrated.
- Avoid solid foods until vomiting stops.
- Avoid foods that might cause stomach upset.
- Take ample rest. Avoid any activity immediately after eating.
- Consume plain, light foods such as bread and biscuits.
- Avoid food with strong flavours and fried food.
- Ginger tea might help in proper digestion.
Special Advise
Your doctor may advise you to regularly get blood tests done to check your blood pigment levels. If Methaemoglobinaemia is observed, treatment with Metoclopramide should be stopped immediately and permanently. Methaemoglobinaemia is a blood condition in which the haemoglobin iron is in the oxidized state and cannot reversibly bind to oxygen.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Nausea/Vomiting: Nausea is an uneasy feeling in which the person feels an urge to vomit, whereas vomiting is an uncontrollable reflex that expels the contents of the stomach through the mouth. Nausea and vomiting may occur separately or together. The common causes include motion sickness, emotional stress, indigestion, food poisoning, high fever or overeating. Nausea/vomiting might also occur as an unpleasant effect of therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): The stomach is usually protected from acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, due to excess acid production, the mucous layer gets eroded, which leads to complications like GERD, acidity, and peptic ulcers. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn.
Diabetic gastroparesis: Diabetic gastroparesis is delayed gastric emptying in people with diabetes. Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying is a condition that occurs when the stomach takes too long to empty the food into the intestine. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, loss of appetite, bloating and heartburn.
FAQs
Metoclopramide works by increasing the motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract; this allows faster transit of food and reduces the symptoms of GERD and gastric emptying. It also works on the part of the brain that controls vomiting, thereby helps in preventing nausea and vomiting.
Take Metoclopramide only for as long as the doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not take Metoclopramide for more than three months as it might increase the risk of tardive dyskinesia (movement disorder), which is often irreversible. The risk of developing tardive dyskinesia increases with the total dosage and duration of treatment.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Metoclopramide. Drink enough fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if the condition persists or worsens.
Maintain a minimum gap of 6 hours between each dose. Do not take another dose of Metoclopramide even in case of vomiting and rejection of dose to avoid an overdose.
Metoclopramide may cause uncontrollable movements such as shaking, tics, twisting movements, muscle stiffness and rigidity. Consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
