GENERIC NAME: metoclopramide
BRAND NAME: Reglan
DRUG CLASS: Metoclopramide is a "prokinetic"
agent
that increases muscle tone of the lower esophagus sphincter.
The lower
esophagus sphincter, located between the esophagus and stomach,
normally
prevents reflux of acid and other stomach contents into the
esophagus. In
patients with Gastroesophageal
Reflux (GERD), a weakened lower esophagus sphincter
allows
reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing heart burn
and acid
damage to the esophagus (peptic esophagitis). Metoclopramide
decreases
stomach acid reflux by strengthening the lower esophagus
sphincter. Like
cisapride (Propulsid),
metoclopramide also hastens the stomach emptying of solid and
liquid meals
into the intestines. Rapid emptying of meals also help decrease
the reflux
of stomach acid and other contents into the esophagus.
Metoclopramide interferes with dopamine receptors in the
brain. Since
dopamine causes nausea. Metoclopramide can be an effective
anti-nausea
medication.
While cisapride and metoclopramide are similar in decreasing
gastroesophageal reflux, metoclopramide is more likely to cause
nervous
system side effects such as jitteriness, insomnia, sedation, or
anxiety.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PREPARATIONS: tablets: 5 mg and 10mg. Syrup: 5 mg/5 ml
STORAGE: Tablets and syrup should be stored at
temperature between 15-30C
(59-86F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Metoclopramide is used on a short term
basis (4
to 12 weeks) for patients with heartburn and esophagitis due to
gastroesophageal reflux. Please also read the Gastroesophageal
Reflux (GERD) article. Stomach nerve damage due to
diabetes
(diabetic gastric stasis) can cause delayed stomach emptying,
resulting in
nausea, vomiting, fullness, and heartburn. Metoclopramide can
be effective
in relieving nausea and other symptoms related to diabetic
gastric stasis.
Metoclopramide is also used in the treatment of nausea related
to
postoperative state and cancer chemotherapy.
DOSING: Metoclopramide is usually given four times
daily, 30
minutes before each meal and at bedtime for the treatment of
esophageal
reflux. Dosage and frequency may be lowered in elderly
patients, and in
situations where symptoms occur only intermittently and at
specific times.
Concurrent administration of Anticholinergic medications can
decrease the
effectiveness of metoclopramide.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Metoclopramide can have nervous
system side
effects, such as depression, anxiety, sedation, restlessness,
and
insomnia. Parkinson patients can experience worsening of
symptoms with
metoclopramide. Metoclopramide may impair the mental and/or
physical
abilities to drive or operate machinery. Rarely, metoclopramide
can cause
involuntary muscle movements, facial grimacing, and dystonic
reactions
resembling tetanus. Since metoclopramide accelerates stomach
emptying, it
can increase absorption and effects of other medications. For
example, the
effects of sedatives such as alcohol and diazepam (Valium) can be
accelerated when used together with metoclopramide. Safety in
pregnancy,
nursing mothers, and children has not been established.
SIDE EFFECTS: Metoclopramide is generally well
tolerated when
used in low doses for brief periods. The nervous system side
effects
increase with higher doses and longer periods of treatment. The
common
side effects are mentioned above under Drug Interactions.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- cisapride, Propulsid - Source:MedicineNet
- Diabetes - Information on Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) including types, causes, symptoms of diabetes, medications, and treatment. Produced by the doctors of MedicineNet.com Source:MedicineNet
- Chemotherapy - Explains chemotherapy, a drug treatment to kill cancer cells. Article includes descriptions, uses, and side effects, and care support. Source:Government
- Read 29 more metoclopramide related articles ...
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Back to Medications IndexLast Editorial Review: 8/11/2000
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