Reglan
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Reglan
Reglan is a gastrointestinal stimulant and anti emetic (vomiting) and anti-nausea medicine. It acts by increasing the movement of the stomach as well as intestine to help move food and acid out of the stomach more quickly, so that it can regurgitate. It also acts in certain areas in the brain to decrease nausea.
Therapeutic Uses of Reglan
Reglan is used for treatment of GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) where there is reflux of gastric acid to the esophagus, if the patients do not respond to other therapy. It is also used in treatment of symptoms of a certain digestive problem in diabetic patients (diabetic gastroparesis). Reglan is also used inn treatment of vomiting. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Reglan
Reglan should be taken as directed by your doctor. If you have any question about how to take Reglan you should consult your doctor. Take Reglan orally 30 minutes before meals unless your doctor tells you otherwise. It may take several days to weeks before Reglan acts. Do not stop taking Reglan without asking your doctor.
If You Miss a Dose of Reglan
If you miss a dose of Reglan, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose (because you missed for long period), skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
How to Store Reglan
Reglan should ideally be stored at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Reglan should be stored away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Reglan out of the reach of children and also away from pets. Do not store it in your bathroom.
More Information about Reglan
Do not share Reglan with others. Reglan should be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. If you have any question about Reglan, you should ask your doctor or other health care provider.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Reglan
Do not use Reglan if you suffer from any of the medical conditions listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Reglan.
- If you are taking cabergoline or pergolide.
- If you have seizures (due to epilepsy); bleeding, blockage, or perforation of stomach or intestines; or if you have tumors on your adrenal gland like pheochromocytoma.
- If you are taking any medicines, like phenothiazines (chlorpromazine), which may cause extra-pyramidal side effects (abnormal, involuntary muscle movements of the head, neck, or limbs).
Some medical conditions may interact with Reglan. You should inform your doctor if you are suffering from any medical condition that may interact with Reglan, especially if any of the following:
- If you are a woman and pregnant, planning to have baby, or are breast feeding.
- If you are allergic to any medicine other than Reglan, any food or any other substance.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal medicine, or any dietary supplements.
- If you suffer from depression, asthma, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, Parkinson disease, blood problems like porphyria; kidney problems, low levels of certain enzyme called methemoglobin reductase etc.
Some medicines may interact with Reglan. You should inform your doctor or other health care provider if you are taking any other medicines (that may interact with Reglan), especially any of the following:
- Cisapride, droperidol etc. because side effects, like muscle rigidity, increased heart rate, and altered mental abilities, may occur with these medicines.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO-I) like phenelzine, salazaline etc. because the risk of serious side effects like high blood pressure, seizures may be increased.
- Anticholinergic drugs like hyoscyamine, certain antihistamines like diphenhydramine, or narcotic (opioid) pain medicines like codeine because they may decrease the effectiveness of Reglan.
- Cabergoline, digoxin, pergolide etc. because the effectiveness of these medicines may be decreased by Reglan.
- Acetaminophen (commonly known as paracetamol), alcohol, levodopa, phenothiazines (chlorpromazine), sedatives (zolpidem), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine; succinylcholine, tetracycline etc. because the risk of the side effects of these medicines may be increased by Reglan.
Possible Adverse Effects of Reglan
- Common and less serious side effects of Reglan are nausea, headache, generalized weakness due to decrease energy, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness, tiredness, insomnia etc. If any of these common side effects become bothersome or persistent you should seek medical attention.
- Get immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects of Reglan. The serious side effects of Reglan are severe allergic reaction (symptoms of allergic reaction are rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe restlessness, trouble sleeping, abnormal thinking, suicidal thoughts or attempts, hallucinations, mental or mood changes like depression, anxiety, agitation, jitteriness; seizures, headache, breathlessness; dark urine; decreased coordination; decreased sexual ability; fast, slow, and/or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia); fever;; loss of bladder control, severe and persistent dizziness; sudden and unusual weight gain; stiff or rigid muscles; sudden increased sweating; swelling of the arms, legs, or feet; uncontrolled muscle movements (of the arms, legs, tongue, jaw, cheeks); twitching; tremors; vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes etc.