Metoclopramide helps to prevent and relieve nausea and vomiting.
This medicine is also used to relieve reflux disease (also known as "heartburn", in which food or acid from your stomach backs up into your mouth, leaving a sour or bitter taste).
It may also be used to treat the symptoms of slow stomach emptying (gastric stasis) in patients with 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 this medicine on an empty stomach at least half an hour before meals.
Metoclopramide is available as a tablet, orodispersible tablet or oral liquid.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
If you are taking the orodispersible tablet:
- 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 an oral solution, use the measuring syringe, spoon or cup provided to measure out your prescribed dose.
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:
- epilepsy (seizures or fits)
- stomach problems (such as stomach bleeding or intestine rupture)
- phaeochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland)
- history of a condition which causes uncontrollable twitching movements of the mouth, tongue and limbs after using a medicine
- Parkinson's disease (a disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)
- history of an abnormal blood pigment levels or a deficiency in an enzyme called NADH-Cyb5R
as Metoclopramide may not be suitable for you.
Do not give this medicine to children below 1 year of age unless instructed to do so by the doctor.
DO NOT take Metoclopramide with medicines which may cause uncontrollable twitching movements of the body, such as levodopa, bromocriptine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following:
- undiagnosed brain problems
- history of depression
- high blood pressure
- heart disease such as abnormal heartbeats, heart failure, slow heartbeat
- problems with the levels of salt or electrolytes in the blood such as potassium, sodium, magnesium
- diabetes
- an inherited condition which may lead to allergic diseases including asthma
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- other stomach problems such as delayed digestion
- liver disease
- 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 elderly. Children and the elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Inform your doctor if you have an inherited condition known as G6PD deficiency.
A certain enzyme called CYP2D6 is involved in the breakdown of Metoclopramide in the body. Individuals who are poor metabolisers of CYP2D6 may have increased exposure to metoclopramide, resulting to increased risk of adverse effects including involuntary muscle movements. Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to take genetic testing to check if this medicine is best suited for you. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests. Regular monitoring of signs of involuntary body movements and altered mental status may also be needed.
Metoclopramide may cause drowsiness, dizziness or visual disturbance. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, feeling unwell, tiredness, flushing, urination problems, rash, itching, loss of libido, absence of menstruation, enlargement or swelling of breast in males, inappropriate breastmilk production, swelling in the ankles, feet or legs, anxiety, confusion, difficulty sleeping and hallucinations.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help, although some may not be common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- high fever, high blood pressure, convulsions
- shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, loss of consciousness, changes of skin colour
- bluish discolouration of the skin or mucous, constipation
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- severe stomach pain, muscle pain, tingling, numbness; red or brown urine
- involuntary and uncontrollable movements involving the limbs, face, tongue, mouth or jaw
- mood changes such as frequent feelings of depression including suicidal ideation
- fever accompanied by muscle stiffness and increased heart rate
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- pain, tightness of the chest and back; difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing or whistling when inhaling
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 medicines for Parkinson’s disease (a disorder that affects the movement of a person) e.g. levodopa, bromocriptine.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for cold or allergy e.g. hydroxyzine
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. digoxin, clonidine, amiodarone
- medicines to treat depression e.g. diazepam, fluoxetine, paroxetine
- medicines that can cause drowsiness or affect your concentration e.g. phenobarbital
- ciclosporin (a medicine used in organ transplant)
- muscle relaxants used during surgery e.g. mivacurium, suxamethonium
- other medicines such as aspirin, paracetamol, atovaquone
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.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
