Chemical Name: METOCLOPRAMIDE


Common uses

This medicine is a gastrointestinal stimulant used to treat gastroesophageal reflux and erosions/ulcers of the esophagus. It is also used to treat nausea, vomiting, heartburn, prolonged fullness after meals, and loss of appetite in patients with diabetes (diabetic gastroparesis). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Do not take this medicine if you are also taking cabergoline or pergolide. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking serotonin reuptake blockers such as sertraline or venlafaxine; monoamine oxidase inhibitors (such as furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine); narcotic pain medicine; anticholinergic medicines that slow down gastrointestinal movement; certain medicines for mental disorders (such as phenothiazines or haloperidol); or insulin.

Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including asthma, parkinson's disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, congestive heart failure, depression, allergies, pregnancy, or if you are breast-feeding.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, blockage, or tear; seizures; or pheochromocytoma. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine 30 minutes before meals unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, 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.

Cautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. It may take several days to weeks for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using the medicine.

This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. This medicine will add to the effects of depressants or alcohol. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may occur while taking this medicine include drowsiness, weariness, dizziness, restlessness, jitteriness, anxiety, agitation, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual or uncontrollable movements of arms, legs, face, eyes, tongue, mouth, neck, or jaw; unusual or unexplained vision changes; muscle stiffness; fever; sweating; mood changes including depression; or thoughts of hurting yourself.

An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness; confusion; agitation; muscle restlessness; and unusual movement of eyes, face, or limbs.

Additional information

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.