Metoclopramide (Injection)

Metoclopramide (met-oh-kloe-PRA-mide)

Treats nausea and vomiting.

Brand Name(s):

Reglan
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to metoclopramide. You should not use metoclopramide if you have a seizure disorder (epilepsy), bleeding or blockage of the stomach or intestines, or pheochromocytoma.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
• An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle (upper arm, thigh, buttocks).
• An IV infusion is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.
• This medicine should be given by a nurse or other caregiver trained to give IV or IM medicine. Sometimes a family member or friend can be taught to give you this medicine.
• It may take several days for the IM medicine to work.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store your medicine bottles at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking an MAO inhibitor (Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Eldepryl®), narcotic pain-killers, or medicine for depression.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking metoclopramide.
• If you use insulin for diabetes, ask your doctor if you need to adjust your dose while taking metoclopramide.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking other medicines that may make you sleepy such as cold or allergy medicines, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, or narcotic pain killers.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, high blood pressure, Parkinson's disease, or if you are allergic to procainamide (Procan®).
• Tell your doctor or dentist you are taking metoclopramide before you have any kind of surgery.
• This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Be careful when driving or using machinery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Trouble breathing
• Uncontrollable movements of the face, neck, or tongue
• Unexplained high fever, muscle stiffness
• Tremors, trouble speaking
• Skin rash, itching, hives

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness, dizziness, or headache
• Trouble sleeping, restlessness, depression
• Dry mouth
• Pain or itching where the shot or IV is given
• Nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
• Breast swelling, discharge, and tenderness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.