Metoclopramide
(Metoclopramide)Metoclopramide Overview
Metoclopramide is used to treat certain conditions of the stomach and intestines. Metoclopramide is used as a short-term treatment (4 to 12 weeks) for ongoing heartburn when the usual medicines do not work well enough. Metoclopramide is used mostly for heartburn that occurs after a meal or during the daytime. Treating ongoing heartburn can decrease the damage done by stomach acid to the swallowing tube (esophagus) and help healing. Metoclopramide is also used in diabetic patients who have poor emptying of their stomachs (gastroparesis). Treating gastroparesis can decrease symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and stomach/abdominal fullness. Metoclopramide works by blocking a natural substance (dopamine). It speeds up stomach emptying and movement of the upper intestines. Metoclopramide is not recommended for use in children due to an increased risk of serious side effects (such as muscle spasms/uncontrolled muscle movements). Ask the doctor or pharmacist for details.
Metoclopramide Warnings
Metoclopramide may cause a serious movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, this condition may be permanent. The risk of tardive dyskinesia is increased with the longer use of the medication and the more medication that you take. The risk is also increased in older adults (especially women) and in people with diabetes. Metoclopramide comes in different forms (such as tablets, solution, injection). Do not use metoclopramide products for longer than 12 weeks. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of Metoclopramide. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any unusual uncontrolled movements (especially of the face, mouth, tongue, arms or legs). There is no treatment for tardive dyskinesia, but in some cases the symptoms may lessen or stop once metoclopramide is stopped.
How to Use Metoclopramide
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking metoclopramide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take Metoclopramide by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually up to 4 times daily (30 minutes before meals and at bedtime). If you are using the liquid form of Metoclopramide, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. The Dosage of Metoclopramide is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Because of the risk of tardive dyskinesia, do not take this more often, in larger doses, or for longer than directed by your doctor. If heartburn only occurs at certain times (such as after the evening meal), your doctor may direct you to take a single dose before those times instead of taking it throughout the day. This will reduce your risk of side effects. To treat diabetic gastroparesis, Metoclopramide is usually taken for 2 to 8 weeks until your gut is working well. This condition may recur from time to time. Your doctor may direct you to start taking Metoclopramide as soon as your symptoms reappear and stop when you feel better. Ask your doctor for directions for starting and stopping Metoclopramide. Take Metoclopramide regularly as directed to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times before a meal each day. If you suddenly stop using Metoclopramide, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as dizziness, nervousness, headaches). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used metoclopramide for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Metoclopramide Precautions
Before taking metoclopramide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Metoclopramide may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before taking Metoclopramide, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,history of movement/muscle disorders (such as tardive dyskinesia, dystonia) caused by a medication, bleeding/blockage/hole in the intestines/stomach, breast cancer, high blood pressure, kidney problems, heart failure, mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), Parkinson's disease, liver problems (such as cirrhosis, porphyria), pheochromocytoma, seizures, a certain blood enzyme problem (NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency). Metoclopramide may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Liquid products may contain alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to limit alcohol. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using Metoclopramide safely. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you have diabetes, Metoclopramide may make it harder to control your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have high or low blood sugar. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of Metoclopramide, especially muscle spasms/uncontrolled muscle movements. See also Uses section. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of Metoclopramide, especially drowsiness, tardive dyskinesia, and Parkinson's type muscle problems. Drowsiness can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, Metoclopramide should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Metoclopramide passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Metoclopramide Misdose
If you miss a dose of Metoclopramide, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Metoclopramide Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.antipsychotic drugs (such as aripiprazole, haloperidol), atovaquone, dopamine agonists (such as cabergoline, pergolide, ropinirole), fosfomycin, MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine), pramlintide, phenothiazines (such as promethazine, prochlorperazine), rivastigmine. Metoclopramide causes food and medication to move through your stomach more quickly, which may affect the absorption of some drugs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if any of the drugs that you are taking may be affected. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and opioid pain relievers (such as codeine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Metoclopramide Side Effects
Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, agitation, headache, and diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that Metoclopramide has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Metoclopramide do not have serious side effects. Metoclopramide may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects,mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, confusion, depression, thoughts of suicide), decreased sexual ability, inability to keep still/need to pace, muscle spasms/uncontrolled muscle movements (such as twisting neck, arching back), Parkinson-like symptoms (such as shaking, slowed/difficult movement, mask-like facial expression), abnormal breast-milk production, enlarged/tender breasts, swelling of the hands/feet, changes in menstruation in women. Metoclopramide may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).fever, muscle stiffness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat. A very serious allergic reaction to Metoclopramide is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Metoclopramide Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Metoclopramide when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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