What Are the Different Uses of Metoclopramide?

There are several common uses of metoclopramide, including as a treatment for heartburn, slow stomach emptying, and nausea and vomiting. Veterinarians also commonly use the medication to prevent nausea and vomiting in dogs and cats as well as a rabbit gut stimulant. Less usual uses of metoclopramide involve lactation stimulation and migraine treatment in patients with allodynia. Metoclopramide is marketed under several brand names, like Reglan and Metozolv ODT.

One of the most common uses of metoclopramide is to treat symptoms of gastroparesis in diabetic individuals. This condition impedes the stomach’s ability to empty itself despite there being no physical obstruction. Metoclopramide increases stomach and intestinal contractions. This helps relieve nausea and vomiting, heartburn, and loss of appetite.

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may also be treated with metoclopramide. GERD is characterized by an esophagus irritated and potentially damaged as a result of the backward flow of gastric acid from the stomach. Individuals with GERD who have not find other treatments to be successful may obtain relief with metoclopramide because it soothes heartburn. Without as much gastric acid backing up into the esophagus, any esophageal injuries can heal.

Other less common uses of metoclopramide include treatment of slowed stomach emptying in patients recovering from specific surgical procedures. Chemotherapy patients can be prescribed metoclopramide to prevent nausea and vomiting. Individuals with persistent hiccups and vascular headaches can also be given the drug. This medication is occasionally used during surgery to prevent the aspiration of fluid into the lungs.

Although the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved metoclopramide for use in veterinary medicine as of 2011, it is commonly given to companion animals. It is used as a gastrointestinal stimulant to treat vomiting and esophageal reflux. Animals given metoclopramide may experience drowsiness, diarrhea, and a rash or hives.

Metoclopramide is available in several different forms and strengths. It may be prescribed as a syrup, solution, or tablet. Most patients will be instructed to take this medication approximately 30 minutes before meals on an empty stomach or at bedtime. The dosage will vary depending on the patient and the condition.

Some people may feel dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded while taking metoclopramide. Patients should determine how they will be affected by this drug before using machinery or driving. Stopping this medication can lead to temporary withdrawal symptoms like headaches and nervousness. Some patients taking metoclopramide may develop neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a potential life-threatening neurological disorder caused by a reaction to the drug.

The most serious potential side effect is the development of tardive dyskinesia (TD). TD is a possibly permanent and disfiguring disorder in which the tongue, extremities, and facial muscles move involuntarily. The longer a patient takes metoclopramide, the greater the risk of developing TD. As a result, most patients will stop metoclopramide treatment at 12 weeks unless the therapeutic benefit is believed to outweigh the increased chance of developing TD.

This medication is a dopamine antagonist. As a result, patients with Parkinson’s disease should proceed with caution when considering this treatment. Long-term use in clinically depressed individuals may worsen their mental states. Metoclopramide has been safely used by pregnant women, although it is excreted in breast milk.

As with any medication, the benefits should be weighed against the risks of treatment. In order to make informed decisions, patients should be honest with their doctors about allergies and any other medications, vitamins, or supplements they are taking. Medical problems like stomach bleeding, cirrhosis, or asthma can affect the use of metoclopramide. Patients and doctors should discuss all these factors prior to treatment.