Metoclopramide helps prevent nausea and vomiting.
This medicine is also used to relieve reflux disease (also known as "heartburn", a burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth).
It may also be used to treat the symptoms of slow stomach emptying (gastric stasis) in individuals who have diabetes.
Metoclopramide may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Metoclopramide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before meals. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a tablet, orodispersible tablet or oral solution or syrup.
If you are taking the orodispersible tablet, follow these steps:
- Remove it from the foil only just before you take it. Do not leave the orodispersible tablet exposed to air. Do not push the orodispersible tablet through the foil as it is fragile and easily broken.
- Remove the orodispersible tablet with dry hands by peeling the backing off the foil and tipping the tablet onto your dry hands.
- Place the orodispersible tablet directly on your tongue as soon as it is taken out of the foil. The orodispersible tablet will immediately start to melt on the tongue. It can then be swallowed with or without water.
Do not cut, break or crush the orodispersible tablets.
If you are taking the oral solution or syrup, use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Metoclopramide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- stomach problems e.g. bleeding, rupture or blockage of the stomach or intestines
- phaeochromocytoma (rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
- fits or seizures
- Parkinson's disease (disorder that affects movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)
- history of tardive dyskinesia (a condition which causes uncontrollable twitching movements of the mouth, tongue and limbs)
- history of methaemoglobinaemia (a blood disorder in which too little oxygen is delivered to the cells) or a deficiency in an enzyme called NADH-cytochrome b5
as Metoclopramide may not be suitable for you.
Do not give this medicine to children below 1 year old unless instructed by the doctor.
Do not take Metoclopramide with medicines used for mood disorders, or Parkinson's disease. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- disorders that affect the brain and nerves
- atopy (an inherited condition associated with heightened immune response to common allergies which may lead to allergic diseases including asthma)
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- history of depression
- high blood pressure
- heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- moderate to severe liver disease
- moderate to severe kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Metoclopramide to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Some genetic traits can affect this medicine's level in the blood. Individuals who have reduced CYP2D6 activity, also known as poor metabolisers of CYP2D6 may have an increased risk of experiencing the side effects of this medicine. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Metoclopramide may cause drowsiness, dizziness or involuntary muscle contractions. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: diarrhoea, nausea, tiredness, generalised weakness or lack of energy, rash, itching, and problems with your vision or eyesight.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- involuntary and uncontrollable movements involving the limbs, face, tongue, mouth or jaw
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, having thoughts of self-harm, feeling anxious)
- fits or seizures, loss of consciousness, bluish discolouration of the skin
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Metoclopramide with the following medicines:
- medicines for mood disorders
- levodopa (medicine for Parkinson's disease)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for anxiety
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital
- medicines for cold or allergy
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. digoxin, quinidine, mexiletine
- medicines to treat depression e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine, phenelzine
- clonidine (medicine for high blood pressure)
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
- morphine (strong painkiller)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Metoclopramide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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