Metoclopramide (By mouth)

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

Introduction

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

Treats gastric esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Also treats nausea, vomiting, and heartburn caused by a stomach problem called gastroparesis in patients with diabetes.

Brand Name(s)

Reglan, Metozolv ODT

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Tablet, Dissolving Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Take this medicine on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you differently.
• If you are using the disintegrating tablet, make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it. Remove the tablet from the blister pack by peeling back the foil, then taking the tablet out. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. It should melt quickly. After the tablet 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. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use 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• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.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 away from children and 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 are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
• 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 without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to 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.