Metoclopramide (Reglan) increases muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract so the stomach can empty more quickly into the intestines. Reglan is also used for a short time to treat heartburn cause by gastroesophageal reflux.
How should it be used?
This medication is available in tablet, liquid and injection forms.
Tablet form
- Medication should be taken about 30 minutes prior to eating and at bedtime. The doctor may want you to take the medicine as needed only with meals that usually cause heartburn.
- NEVER TAKE REGLAN IN LARGER AMOUNTS THAN RECOMMENDED, OR FOR LONGER THAN 12 WEEKS.
Liquid form
- Measure the liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring spoon, you can buy one where you get your prescription.
- DO NOT TAKE TWO DIFFERENT FORMS OF REGLAN (LIKE THE TABLET AND THE LIQUID) AT THE SAME TIME.
Injection Form
- If you are giving injections at home, inject it around the same time every day.
- Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or the pharmacist to explain anything you don’t understand.
- Use this injection exactly as you are directed.
- DO NOT INJECT MORE OR LESS OF THIS MEDICINE
- DO NOT USE MORE OFTEN THAN THE DOCTOR HAS PRESCRIBED.
Special Precautions/Instructions
High doses or long-term use of Reglan can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. Symptoms include: uncontrollable muscle movements of lips, tongue, eyes, face, arms, or legs.
Before you start to take this medicine tell your doctor about any of the following:
- All of the medications (including over the counter), vitamins, herbal products, and supplements that you take.
- Have a problem (hypersensitivity or allergy) to Reglan or any other ingredient in the medication:-tablets: metoclopramide base, magnesium steearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid
-syrup: metoclopramide base, citric adic, FD&C Yellow 6, flavors, glycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, sorbitol, water
-injection: metoclopramide base, sodium chloride, USP 8.5 mg, water for injection, USP q.s. pH adjusted, when necessary with hydrocholori acid and/or sodium hydroxide - Have had bleeding or blockage in the GI tract
- Have liver or kidney problems
- Have a history of seizure disorder
- Have a history of depression, Parkinson disease, pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland), or hypertension
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
Avoid activities that require alertness for at least 2 hours after doses.
Side Effects
The drug may cause Side Effects such as: anxiety, restlessness, drowsiness, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, rash, as well as others listed on the website below.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction including:
- Diarrhea
- Feeling sick
- Fever, shivering/chills, rash
- Muscle and bone pain
- Kidney problems (changes in the amount of urine or color of urine)
- Tiredness, dizziness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Trouble breathing
Storage Conditions
This medication should be stored at a controlled room temperature between 68-77 degrees F. Keep out of reach of children and protect from light. Protect from moisture and extreme heat. Store in tight, light-resistant container.
Emergency/Overdose
Call the national poison control center 1-800-222-1222 or 911 in the event of overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection.