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 is used short-term to treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux in people who have used other medications without relief of symptoms.
Metoclopramide is also used to treat slow gastric emptying in people with diabetes (also called diabetic gastroparesis), which can cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite, and a feeling of fullness after meals.

Important information about metoclopramide

NEVER TAKE METOCLOPRAMIDE IN LARGER AMOUNTS THAN RECOMMENDED, OR FOR LONGER THAN 12 WEEKS. High doses or long-term use of metoclopramide can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. Symptoms of this disorder include tremors or other uncontrollable muscle movements. The longer you take metoclopramide, the more likely you are to develop a serious movement disorder. The risk of this side effect is higher in women, diabetics, and older adults.

Before taking metoclopramide

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to metoclopramide, or if you have:

• bleeding or blockage in your stomach or intestines;
• a perforation (hole) in your stomach or intestines;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
• an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma).

To make sure you can safely take metoclopramide, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease (especially cirrhosis);
• congestive heart failure;
• high blood pressure;
• Parkinson's disease;
• diabetes (your insulin dose may need adjusting); or
• a history of depression.

FDA pregnancy category B. Metoclopramide is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Metoclopramide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Metoclopramide should not be given to a child.