What Is It Used For?
METOCLOPRAMIDE (Reglan) has a number of uses. Metoclopramide increases the movements of the stomach and intestines. It can help treat heartburn in patients who suffer from a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus, often called "GERD". It is also used for diabetic gastroparesis, a condition in some diabetics that causes discomfort, heartburn, nausea, and a feeling of fullness after meals. It can also be used for other purposes, like hiccups. Generic metoclopramide tablets are available.

How Is It Used?
Take metoclopramide tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take metoclopramide on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before eating. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What should my health care professional know before I take Metoclopramide?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Asthma
• Breast cancer
• Depression
• G6PD deficiency
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Methemoglobin reductase deficiency
• Parkinson's disease or a movement disorder
• Pheochromocytoma
• Seizures (convulsions)
• Stomach obstruction, bleeding, or perforation
• An unusual or allergic reaction to metoclopramide, procainamide, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

Are There Possible Side Effects?
Serious or limiting side effects are uncommon, but may include:

• Breast enlargement in men or women, or production of breast-milk in women who are not breast-feeding
• Change in the way you walk (shuffling feet)
• Difficulty moving, speaking or swallowing
• Drooling, lip smacking, or rapid movements of the tongue
• Involuntary or uncontrollable movements of the eyes, head, arms and legs
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Muscle twitches and spasms
• Skin rash
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Menstrual changes
• Restlessness or nervousness
• Sexual difficulties (decreased sexual desire or impotence)

What About Interactions With Other Drugs?

• Alcohol
• Bromocriptine
• Cyclosporine
• Digoxin
• Medicines for diabetes, including insulin
• Medicines that treat diarrhea
• Medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• Medicines for mental depression
• Medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances
• Medicines for Parkinson's disease, like levodopa
• Medicines for sleep or for pain

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Metoclopramide?
It may take a few weeks for your stomach condition to improve on this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how metoclopramide affects you. Alcohol can increase drowsiness or dizziness; avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking metoclopramide.

What If I Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

How Should It Be Stored?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.