Reglan (Metoclopramide)

General information

Reglan is used to treat certain conditions of the stomach and intestines. Metoclopramide is used as a short-term treatment (4 to 12 weeks) for persistent 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 persistent heartburn can decrease the damage done by stomach acid to the swallowing tube (esophagus) and help healing. It is also used in diabetic patients who have poor emptying of their stomachs (gastroparesis). Metoclopramide works by blocking a natural substance (dopamine). It speeds up stomach emptying and movement of the upper intestines.

Directions

Take Reglan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Reglan is usually taken for only 4 to 12 weeks. Take Reglan 30 minutes before eating and at bedtime, usually 4 times daily. Dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. To treat diabetic gastroparesis, this medication is usually taken for 2 to 8 weeks until your gut is working well.

Precautions

Before taking Reglan you should talk with your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, cirrhosis, Parkinson's disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, diabetes. Do not drink alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects.

Contraindications

Do not take Reglan if you are allergic to metoclopramide, or if you have bleeding or blockage in your stomach or intestines, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, or an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have seizure, tremors, difficulty breathing, hives, hallucinations, yellowing of your skin or eyes, confusion, sweating, depressed mood, difficulty breathing, high fever, uneven heartbeats, swelling of your face, lips. Less serious side effects may include: urinating more than usual, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, changes in your menstrual periods. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: MAO inhibitors (selegiline, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, furazolidone), bronchodilators (tiotropium, ipratroprium), tetracycline, levodopa, digoxin, urinary medications (tolterodine, darifenacin, flavoxate), insulin, glycopyrrolate, acetaminophen, cyclosporine, anticholinergic drugs (benztropine, scopolamine), narcotic pain medications (codeine, morphine), tranquilizers (haloperidol). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are tremors, drowsiness, uncontrolled muscle movements, confusion, convulsions.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Store it in a tight container.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.