Drug Name

Reglan (Metoclopramide)

Drug Uses

Reglan is used for short term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in certain patients who do not respond to other therapy.

It is used to treat symptoms of a certain digestive problem in diabetic patients (diabetic gastroparesis). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Reglan as directed by your doctor.

• Take Reglan by mouth 30 minutes before meals unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
• It may take several days to weeks for Reglan to work. Do not stop taking Reglan without checking with your doctor.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Reglan.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Reglan is a gastrointestinal stimulant and anti-nauseant. It works by increasing the movement of the stomach and intestines to help move food and acid out of the stomach more quickly. It also works in certain areas in the brain to decrease nausea.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Reglan, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Reglan at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Reglan out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Reglan if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Reglan;
• you have seizures (e.g., epilepsy); bleeding, blockage, or perforation in your stomach or intestines; or tumors on your adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma);
• you are taking cabergoline or pergolide;
• you are taking medicines, such as phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), that may cause extrapyramidal reactions (abnormal, involuntary muscle movements of the head, neck, or limbs).

Some medical conditions may interact with Reglan . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have depression, asthma, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, Parkinson disease, blood problems (eg, porphyria), kidney problems, or low levels of an enzyme called methemoglobin reductase

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Reglan . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Cisapride or droperidol because side effects, such as muscle rigidity, increased heart rate, and altered mental abilities, may occur
• Anticholinergic medicine (eg, hyoscyamine), certain antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine), or narcotic pain medicines (eg, codeine) because they may decrease Reglan 's effectiveness
• Acetaminophen, alcohol, levodopa, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), sedatives (eg, zolpidem), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), succinylcholine, or tetracycline because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Reglan
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, phenelzine) because the risk of serious side effects (eg, high blood pressure, seizures) may be increased
• Cabergoline, digoxin, or pergolide because their effectiveness may be decreased by Reglan

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• decreased energy; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nausea; restlessness; tiredness; trouble sleeping.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); abnormal thinking; confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination; decreased sexual ability; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; loss of bladder control; mental or mood changes (e.g., depression, anxiety, agitation, jitteriness); seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, headache, or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent restlessness, including inability to sit still; shortness of breath; stiff or rigid muscles; sudden increased sweating; sudden unusual weight gain; suicidal thoughts or actions; swelling of the arms, legs, or feet; uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., of the arms, legs, tongue, jaw, cheeks; twitching; tremors); vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Reglan is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.