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Metoclopramide

This form:

Pronounced

"met-o-KLO-pruh-mide"

Common brand names:

Emex, Reglan

Uses

This medication is used to treat certain conditions of the stomach and intestines. Metoclopramide is used as a short-term treatment (4 to 12 weeks) for ongoing heartburn when the usual medicines do not work well enough. It is used mostly for heartburn that occurs after a meal or during the daytime. Treating ongoing heartburn can decrease the damage done by stomach acid to the swallowing tube (esophagus) and help healing.

Metoclopramide is also used in diabetic patients who have poor emptying of their stomachs (gastroparesis). Treating gastroparesis can decrease symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and stomach/abdominal fullness. Metoclopramide works by blocking a natural substance (dopamine). It speeds up stomach emptying and movement of the upper intestines.

This drug is not recommended for use in children due to an increased risk of serious side effects (such as muscle spasms/uncontrolled muscle movements). Ask the doctor or pharmacist for details.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used to reduce the risk of nausea/vomiting from chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer.

How to Use This Medication

See also Warning section.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking metoclopramide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually up to 4 times daily (30 minutes before meals and at bedtime). If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Because of the risk of tardive dyskinesia, do not take this more often, in larger doses, or for longer than directed by your doctor.

If heartburn only occurs at certain times (such as after the evening meal), your doctor may direct you to take a single dose before those times instead of taking it throughout the day. This will reduce your risk of side effects.

To treat diabetic gastroparesis, this medication is usually taken for 2 to 8 weeks until your gut is working well. This condition may recur from time to time. Your doctor may direct you to start taking this medication as soon as your symptoms reappear and stop when you feel better. Ask your doctor for directions for starting and stopping this medication.

Take this medication regularly as directed to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times before a meal each day.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as dizziness, nervousness, headaches). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used metoclopramide for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2025.