Metoclopramide (Systemic)

Brand Names : Octamide, Metoclopramide Intensol, Reglan, Apo-Metoclop, Maxeran, PMS-Metoclopramide

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime , unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Take metoclopramide only as directed . Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

To take metoclopramide oral concentrate : This medicine should be mixed with another liquid, such as water, juices, soda or soda-like beverages, or with a semi-solid food, such as applesauce or pudding.

Dosing - The dose of metoclopramide will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of metoclopramide. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets or teaspoonfuls of solution that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking metoclopramide .

• For oral dosage forms (concentrate, solution, or tablets):
  • To treat the symptoms of a stomach problem called diabetic gastroparesis:
    • Adults and teenagers - 10 milligrams (mg) thirty minutes before symptoms are likely to begin or before each meal and at bedtime. The dose may be taken up to four times a day. However, most people usually will not take more than 500 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) (227 mcg per pound) of body weight a day.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For heartburn:
    • Adults and teenagers - 10 to 15 mg thirty minutes before symptoms are likely to begin or before each meal and at bedtime. The dose may be taken up to four times a day. However, most people usually will not take more than 500 mcg per kg (227 mcg per pound) of body weight a day.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • To increase movements or contractions of the stomach and intestines:
    • Children 5 to 14 years of age - 2.5 to 5 mg three times a day, thirty minutes before meals.
• For injection dosage form:
  • To increase movements or contractions of the stomach and intestine:
    • Adults and teenagers - 10 mg injected into a vein.
    • Children - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 1 mg per kilogram (kg) (0.45 mg per pound) of body weight injected into a vein. Your doctor may repeat this dose after sixty minutes if needed.
  • To prevent nausea and vomiting caused by anticancer medicines:
    • Adults and teenagers - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 1 to 2 mg per kg (0.45 to 0.9 mg per pound) of body weight, injected slowly into a vein, thirty minutes before you take your anticancer medicine. Your doctor may repeat this dose every two or three hours if needed. Some people may need a larger dose to start.
    • Children - 1 mg per kg (0.45 mg per pound) of body weight injected into a vein. Your doctor may repeat this dose after sixty minutes if needed.
  • To prevent vomiting after surgery:
    • Adults and teenagers - 10 to 20 mg injected into a muscle near the end of surgery.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the tablet form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the concentrate and solution forms of this medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.