Metoclopramide is an antiemetic medicine that is indicated for the relief of nausea and vomiting caused by surgery, metabolic or infectious diseases, or side effects from other medications. Metoclopramide can also be used to empty the stomach before a gastrointestinal x-ray for better visualization.
Metoclopramide can be purchased in pharmacies in the form of tablets, drops or injectable solution. It should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
What is it for
Metoclopramide is typically prescribed for the treatment or prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by surgical procedures, metabolic or infectious diseases, or due to side effects of medications or chemotherapy.
Metoclopramide can also be taken to empty the stomach and intestines prior to an x-ray, so that tissues and organs are better visualized.
This medications works by increasing muscle contractions in the digestive tract, which helps to accelerate gastric and intestinal emptying and relieve nausea and vomiting. It usually takes effect about 30 to 60 minutes after taking it orally.
How to take
The way that metoclopramide is taken depends on the form that is prescribed:
1. Metoclopramide drops 4 mg/mL
Metoclopramide drops contain 4 mg of metoclopramide hydrochloride for every 1 mL of solution. It should be taken orally approximately 10 minutes before meals.
The recommended doses of metoclopramide drops for children vary depending on the child's age and weight. The lowest possible dose that should be started is 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. The use of metoclorpamide in children should always be guided and monitored by a doctor.
For adults, the recommended dose is 53 drops every 8 hours.
2. Metoclopramide tablets 10 mg
Metoclopramide tablets should be taken orally with a little water, approximately 10 to 30 minutes before meals.
The recommended dose is one 10mg tablet every 8 hours.
3. Metoclopramide oral solution 1 mg/mL
Metoclopramide oral solution contains 1 mg of metoclopramide hydrochloride for every 1 mL of solution. It should be taken orally, approximately 10 minutes before meals.
The recommended doses of metoclopramide oral solution for adults is 10 mL, which corresponds to approximately 2 teaspoons, taken 3 times a day.
For children, the dose should be calculated by the pediatrician according to the child's age and weight. It should be started with the lowest possible dose of 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.
4. Injectable metoclopramide 5 mg/mL
Injectable metoclopramide should be taken only as prescribed. It is administered directly into the vein or muscle by a nurse or trainer healthcare professional in a hospital or clinical setting.
The recommended dose for adults is 1 ampoule every 8 hours to treat nausea and vomiting, or 1 to 2 ampoules, 10 minutes before performing a gastrointestinal X-ray.
For children, the dose should be calculated by the pediatrician according to the child's age and weight. The lowest possible dose should start at 0.5 mg for each kilogram of body weight per day.
Possible side effects
Some of the most common side effects that may occur during treatment with metoclopramide are drowsiness, excessive fatigue, lack of energy, headache, confusion, depression or insomnia.
Metoclopramide can cause extrapyramidal reactions, especially in children or young adults, which can occur after a single dose. This reaction presents with symptoms such as tremors throughout the body or in the legs and arms, biting the lips, frowning, rolling the eyes uncontrollably, slow body movements, muscle stiffness or confusion. In these cases, you should stop using metoclopramide immediately and proceed to the nearest emergency room.
You should seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to metoclopramide appear, such as difficulty breathing, a feeling of a closed throat, swelling in the mouth, tongue or face, or hives.
Does metoclopramide make you sleepy?
One of the most common side effects that can occur with the use of metoclopramide is drowsiness. Some people taking this medication will feel sleepy after taking it.
Contraindications for use
Metoclopramide should not be administered to children under 1 year of age and is not recommended for people under 18 years of age, or pregnant or breastfeeding women, unless monitored by a doctor.
This medication should also not be used by anyone who is allergic to metoclopramide or any other component in its formula, or by people with a history of an extrapyramidal reactions after taking metoclopramide.
Metoclopramide should not be taken by people who have bleeding, constipation, a bowel perforation, epilepsy, pheochromocytoma, Parkinson's disease, or a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia secondary to psychosis or anesthetics.
Before taking metoclopramide, you should inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes or a history of depression, so that your doctor can assess the risks and benefits of treatment.