metoclopramide

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using metoclopramide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by injection into a muscle or vein by a health care professional. It is usually given as a single injection before your treatment/during surgery, or every 2 to 6 hours, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage and length of treatment is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. If this medication has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses, withdrawal symptoms (such as dizziness, nervousness, headaches) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately. Tell your doctor right away if your condition persists or worsens.

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. Some products that may interact with this drug include: pramlintide, dopamine agonists (such as cabergoline, pergolide, ropinirole), tacrolimus, major tranquilizers (such as haloperidol, phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine), MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine). Some medications may block the actions of metoclopramide. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are also taking anticholinergic drugs (such as benztropine, scopolamine, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine) or narcotic pain/cough medications (such as codeine, morphine). Since metoclopramide causes food and medication to move through your stomach more quickly, drugs that are absorbed from the stomach (such as digoxin) may not be absorbed as well. Drugs absorbed from the intestines (such as acetaminophen, levodopa, cyclosporine, alcohol, tetracycline) may have increased absorption. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic 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.

Not applicable.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Before receiving metoclopramide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding/blockage/hole in the intestines/stomach, breast cancer, diabetes, 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). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. 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, this product may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately 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 this drug, especially muscle spasms. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, tardive dyskinesia, and Parkinson's type muscle problems. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital and will not be stored at home. .

See also Warning section. Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, agitation, headache, temporary skin redness on the face or upper chest (flushing), and diarrhea may occur. Giving the medication at a slower rate may decrease the risk of these side effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: 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), abnormal breast-milk production, enlarged/tender breasts, swelling of the hands/feet, changes in menstruation in women. This medication may cause side effects that look like Parkinson's disease. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely side effects occur: shaking (tremors), slowed/difficult movement, muscle stiffness, mask-like facial expression. This drug may infrequently cause a serious (sometimes fatal) nervous system problem (neuroleptic malignant syndrome). Get medical help right away if you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects: fever, rigid muscles, increased sweating, fast heartbeat, confusion. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

This medication may cause a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, this condition may be permanent. Tardive dyskinesia is more likely to occur when metoclopramide is used for longer than 3 months, in high doses, or when used in the elderly (especially elderly women). Contact your doctor immediately 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 symptoms may lessen or stop once metoclopramide is stopped. Because of the risk for tardive dyskinesia, metoclopramide should not be used for longer than 3 months (12 weeks), except in rare cases where the benefits of this drug outweigh the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.