metoclopramide (oral/injection)

What is the most important information I should know about metoclopramide?

What is metoclopramide?

Metoclopramide increases muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract. This speeds up the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines.

Metoclopramide oral (taken by mouth) is used for 4 to 12 weeks to treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux in people who have used other medications without relief.

Metoclopramide oral is also used to treat gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying) in people with diabetes, which can cause heartburn and stomach discomfort after meals.

Metoclopramide injection is used to treat severe diabetic gastroparesis. The injection is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery, or to aid in certain medical procedures involving the stomach or intestines.

Metoclopramide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using metoclopramide?

• tardive dyskinesia (a disorder of involuntary movements);
• stomach or intestinal problems such as a blockage, bleeding, or perforation (a hole or tear in your stomach or intestines);
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma); or
• if you've ever had muscle movement problems after using metoclopramide or similar medicines.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease;
• problems with muscle movements;
• congestive heart failure or a heart rhythm disorder;
• high blood pressure;
• seizures;
• breast cancer;
• Parkinson's disease;
• diabetes; or
• depression or mental illness.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I use metoclopramide?

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

A metoclopramide injection is given into a muscle or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give the injection, usually during surgery, chemotherapy, or a medical procedure.

Metoclopramide oral is taken for only 4 to 12 weeks.

Metoclopramide is usually taken 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime, or only with meals that usually cause heartburn. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

To take the orally disintegrating tablet (ODT):

• Remove a tablet from its blister pack only when you are ready to take the tablet. Use dry hands and take care not to damage a tablet while pushing it out of the blister.
• Place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve, without chewing or swallowing it whole. You may sip liquid if needed to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking metoclopramide?

What are the possible side effects of metoclopramide?

• tremors or shaking in your arms or legs;
• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement); or
• any new or unusual muscle movements you cannot control.

• confusion, depression, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• slow or jerky muscle movements, problems with balance or walking;
• mask-like appearance in your face;
• a seizure;
• anxiety, agitation, jittery feeling, trouble staying still, trouble sleeping;
• swelling, feeling short of breath, rapid weight gain; or
• severe nervous system reaction --very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Common side effects may include:

• feeling restless;
• feeling drowsy or tired;
• lack of energy;
• nausea, vomiting;
• headache, confusion; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect metoclopramide?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect metoclopramide, especially:

• an antidepressant;
• antipsychotic medication;
• blood pressure medication;
• insulin;
• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease or restless leg syndrome; or
• an MAO inhibitor --isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect metoclopramide. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about metoclopramide.