Drug Notes

Metoclopramide (By mouth)

Metoclopramide (met-oh-KLOE-pra-mide)

Relieves symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Also relieves symptoms of gastroparesis in patients with diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Metozolv ODT, PCP 100, Reglan

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet, Dissolving Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take this medicine on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you differently.
• Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

If a dose is missed:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using acetaminophen (Tylenol®), cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), levodopa (Dopar®), or tetracycline (Sumycin®). Tell your doctor if you are also using an MAO inhibitor [MAOI] (such as isocarboxazid, selegiline, tranylcypromine, Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®), narcotic pain killers, or medicine for depression.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
• If you use insulin for diabetes, ask your doctor if you need to adjust your dose while using metoclopramide.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, high blood pressure, or a history of depression, or had recent surgery on your stomach.
• This medicine may cause tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder). Check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms while taking this medicine: lip smacking or puckering, puffing of the cheeks, rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue, uncontrolled chewing movements, or uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs. The risk of tardive dyskinesia is higher if you take this medicine longer than 12 weeks. Treatment for longer than 12 weeks should be avoided in all but rare cases.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms while using this medicine: convulsions (seizures); difficulty with breathing; a fast heartbeat; a high fever; high or low blood pressure; increased sweating; loss of bladder control; severe muscle stiffness; unusually pale skin; or tiredness. These could be symptoms of a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Depression or thoughts of hurting oneself.
• Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Problems with balance or walking.
• Seizures.
• Severe muscle stiffness, tremors, or twitching.
• Swelling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Trouble breathing.
• Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control.
• Uncontrolled movement of your face, tongue, eyes, neck, or head.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Breast swelling or tenderness.
• Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or stomach cramps.
• Headache.
• Irregular menstrual periods.
• Problems having sex.
• Restlessness, confusion, or trouble sleeping.
• Skin rash or itching.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017