Information about Metoclopramide (Generic Reglan) :


Metoclopramide is a gastrointestinal stimulant and anti-nauseant that is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (heartburn) in patients who do not respond to other treatment. It increases the activity of the stomach and intestines to help move food and acid out of the stomach more quickly. Moreover, it works in certain areas in the brain and decreases nausea in that way. It is also used in diabetic patients to treat some digestive problem (diabetic gastroparesis). Metoclopramide may also be administered to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

You should not use Metoclopramide in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Metoclopramide; you have seizures (eg, 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 (eg, chlorpromazine), that may cause extrapyramidal reactions (abnormal, involuntary muscle movements of the head, neck, or limbs).

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this medicine.

Before using Metoclopramide:
Before using Metoclopramide you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; 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.

Be aware that Metoclopramide may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the next: cisapride or droperidol because side effects, such as muscle rigidity, increased heart rate, and altered mental abilities, may take place; anticholinergic medicine (eg, hyoscyamine), certain antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine), or narcotic pain medicines (eg, codeine) because Metoclopramide 's effectiveness may be decreased; 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 Metoclopramide; 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.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Metoclopramide:
Use Rabeprazole as recommended by your doctor. It should be taken by mouth 30 minutes before meals.

It may take several days to weeks for Metoclopramide to work. Do not give up taking Metoclopramide without doctor permission.

In case you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But do not take extra dose in situation when you forget to take Metoclopramide and it is near the time for the next intake. Wait and take next dose according to the schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up for a missed one unless your doctor recommends otherwise.

Important safety information:
Metoclopramide usage may lead to drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worsening by taking alcohol or certain medicines. Prevent driving or performing any other possibly unsafe actions. Consult with your pharmacist in case you have any questions about which drugs may cause drowsiness.

Diabetes patients should monitor their blood sugar levels closely as Metoclopramide may affect your blood sugar. Consult with your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes drug.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) may occur while taking Metoclopramide. Symptoms of NMS are fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Tell your doctor immediately in case you have any of these signs.

Lab tests, including liver and kidney function tests may be performed while you are using Metoclopramide. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

Do not use Metoclopramide in CHILDREN younger than 15 years old because safety and effectiveness in this group have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Metoclopramide while pregnancy. This drug passes into breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Metoclopramide, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Metoclopramide:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: agitation; anxiety; breast growth; changes in menstrual flow; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; foot tapping; frequent urination; headache; inability to sit still; jitteriness; lack of energy; loss of bladder control; nausea; pacing; restlessness; sleeplessness; spontaneous flow of breast milk; tiredness.

Seek emergency in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); altered mental abilities, including lack of response to surroundings; breathing problems; depression with thoughts of suicide; fever; fluid retention; hallucinations; hives; impotence; increased body heat; increased heart rate; involuntary movements of tongue, face, mouth or jaw (eg, sticking out of the tongue, puffing of cheeks, puckering of mouth, chewing movements), sometimes with involuntary movements of the arms and legs; irregular heart rhythm; irregular pulse and blood pressure; mood changes; muscle rigidness; muscle twitching; rash; seizures; slow movements with tremor; sweating; swelling in the throat area; tightness in the lungs; unusual or unexplained vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture. It may be different for various batches.