Metoclopramide Oral (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed

Metoclopramide is used to relieve nausea and vomiting; heartburn, stomach pain, and bloating; and a persistent feeling of fullness after meals.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used

Metoclopramide comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metoclopramide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Special precautions

Before taking metoclopramide:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metoclopramide or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amobarbital (Amytal), insulin, narcotics (pain medications), phenobarbital, sedatives, tranquilizers, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an adrenal tumor; a seizure disorder; Parkinson's disease; high blood pressure; heart, liver, or kidney disease; a history of mental illness or depression; or an intestinal blockage or bleeding.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking metoclopramide, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking metoclopramide.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What to do if you forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects

Minor side effects

Metoclopramide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• restlessness
• fatigue
• constipation
• diarrhea

Severe side effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• involuntary movements of the limbs or eyes
• spasm of the neck, face, and jaw muscles
• change in mood (depression)

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Metoclopramide Hydrochloride Intensol®
• Reglan®
• Reglan® Syrup