Metoclopramide
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide is a gastrointestinal stimulant and anti nauseant medicine. It acts by increasing the movement of the stomach and intestines and thereby helping the food and acid of stomach to move faster. Metoclopramide also acts in certain areas of brain and reduce nausea and vomiting.
Therapeutic Uses of Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide is used in the treatment of GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease, where gastric contents are regurgitated in the esophagus and cause ulcer in the esophagus). It is used in the treatment of symptoms of a certain digestive problem in diabetic patients known as diabetic gastroparesis. It can also be used in the treatment of nausea and vomiting. It can also be used in other medical conditions as your doctor determines.
Direction of use of Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide should be used as per direction of your doctor. Check the details of dosing that is given in the label of the medicine. It should be taken 30 minutes before meal, unless directed by your doctor. If you are taking Metoclopramide for GERD it may take several days to start working. Do not stop the medicine if it is not working in short time. In case of nausea and vomiting it works very fast.
If You Miss a Dose of Metoclopramide
If you forget to take a dose of Metoclopramide, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose because you miss it for long time, than skip the missed dose and take it as regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses together.
How to Store Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide should be stored at room temperature (68 to 77 degrees F or 20 to 25 degrees C). Store it in a cool, dry and dark place. Keep it out of reach of children.
More Information About Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide should be taken by the patient only, for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with anyone. If you do not get any result or your symptoms become worse, you should consult your doctor, because you may need to change the medicine.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Metoclopramide
You should not use Metoclopramide if you have any of the following medical conditions and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Metoclopramide.
- If you are taking medicines like cabergoline or pergolide.
- If you have seizures (epilepsy); bleeding, blockage, or perforation in your stomach or intestines or if you have tumors on your adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma).
- If you are taking medicines, like phenothiazines (chlorpromazine), that may cause extrapyramidal side effects like abnormal, involuntary muscle movements of the head, neck, or limbs.
Important notes about Metoclopramide:
- Metoclopramide can cause dizziness, drowsiness and blurring of vision. All these effects of Metoclopramide are more if you take alcohol or certain medicines. Do not drive or perform risky works while taking Metoclopramide, unless you are certain that it does not cause dizziness, drowsiness and blurring of vision in you.
- Do not take alcohol or other medications that may cause drowsiness (sleeping pills, muscle relaxants etc.) while taking Metoclopramide, as these can give additive action of drowsiness by Metoclopramide. Ask you doctor or other health care worker about medicines that may cause drowsiness.
- In diabetic patients Metoclopramide may affect blood sugar level. You should monitor blood sugar level closely during treatment with Metoclopramide, if you are a diabetic. Ask your doctor if you need to change anti diabetes medicine or change the dosing.
- Some lab tests like liver and kidney function tests may be performed while you are using Metoclopramide. These tests may also be used in monitoring your progress and also to detect side effects due to Metoclopramide.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: if you are pregnant, you should Metoclopramide. If you become pregnant during treatment with Metoclopramide you should discuss with your doctor about the risks of using it during pregnancy. It is found in breast milk. You should discuss with your doctor about the risks to your baby if you breast feed your baby while taking Metoclopramide.
- Metoclopramide may cause a fatal problem known as Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). The symptoms of Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) are fever, confusion, stiffness in the muscles, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Consult your doctor if you get any of these side effects.
Possible Adverse Effects of Metoclopramide
- Common and minor side effects of Metoclopramide are headache, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness, tiredness, insomnia, blurring of vision, lethargy etc. You should consult your doctor or other health care provider if these common side effects become bothersome or persistent.
- You should consult your doctor immediately if you get any serious side effects due to Metoclopramide. The serious side effects of Metoclopramide are mental or mood changes (depression, anxiety, agitation, jitteriness), uncontrolled muscle movements (of the arms, legs, tongue, jaw, cheeks, twitching; tremors); abnormal thinking, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or attempts, decreased coordination; severe or persistent dizziness, headache, or trouble sleeping (insomnia); severe or persistent restlessness, including inability to sit still; decreased sexual ability and desire; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; loss of urinary bladder control, dark urine, increased sweating, sudden and unusual weight gain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, shortness of breath, swelling of the arms, legs, or feet; stiff or rigid muscles, severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness) etc.