$Unique_ID{BRK03233}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{metoclopramide}
$Subject{Clopra Quantum Maxolon Beecham Reglan Robins Dopamine antagonist
antiemetic metoclopramide diabetic gastric stasis gastric reflux nausea
vomiting center brain stomach movement intestines}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Reglan*0323301.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


metoclopramide
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Clopra (Quantum)
     Maxolon (Beecham)
     metoclopramide (various manufacturers)
     Reglan (Robins)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Dopamine antagonist and antiemetic

INGREDIENT

     metoclopramide

DOSAGE FORMS

     Tablets (5 mg and 10 mg)
     Oral syrup (5 mg per 5-ml spoonful)

STORAGE

     Metoclopramide tablets and oral syrup should be stored at room
temperature in tightly closed containers.  Do not freeze the syrup form of
this medication.

USES

     This medication is used to relieve the symptoms associated with diabetic
gastric stasis or gastric reflux and to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Metoclopramide acts directly on the vomiting center in the brain to prevent
nausea and vomiting.  It also increases the movement of the stomach and
intestines.

TREATMENT

     To obtain the best results from treatment, you should take metoclopramide
tablets or syrup 30 minutes before a meal and at bedtime.
     Each dose of the syrup should be measured carefully with a specially
designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate
enough.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, insomnia,
nausea, restlessness, or weakness.  These side effects should disappear as
your body adjusts to the medication.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
     To relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a
piece of hard candy.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
anxiety; confusion; depression; disorientation; involuntary movements of the
eyes, face, or limbs; muscle spasms; rash; or trembling of the hands.

INTERACTIONS

     Metoclopramide interacts with several types of drugs:
     1. Concurrent use of metoclopramide with other central nervous system
depressants (such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants,
narcotics, pain medications, phenothiazine tranquilizers, benzodiazepine
tranquilizers, and sleeping medications) or with tricyclic antidepressants can
cause extreme drowsiness.
     2. Narcotic analgesics may block the effectiveness of metoclopramide.
     3. Metoclopramide can block the effectiveness of bromocriptine.  It can
also decrease the absorption of cimetidine and digoxin from the
gastrointestinal tract, decreasing their effectiveness.
     4. Metoclopramide can increase the absorption of acetaminophen,
tetracycline, levodopa, and alcohol.
     5. Diabetic patients should know that dosage requirements of insulin may
change when metoclopramide is being taken.
     Before starting to take metoclopramide, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to metoclopramide, procaine, or procainamide.
     * Before starting to take metoclopramide, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had epilepsy, kidney disease, liver disease,
intestinal bleeding or blockage, Parkinson's disease, or pheochromocytoma.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activities that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Extensive studies in
women during pregnancy have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you
are breast-feeding an infant.  Metoclopramide passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.