Category

• Dopaminergic blocking agent
• Gastrointestinal emptying (delayed) adjunct
• Peristaltic stimulant
• Antiemetic

Description

Metoclopramide (met-oh-kloe-PRA-mide) is a medicine that increases the movements or contractions of the stomach and intestines. When given by injection, it is used to help diagnose certain problems of the stomach and/or intestines. It is also used by injection to prevent the nausea and vomiting that may occur after treatment with anticancer medicines. Another medicine may be used with metoclopramide to prevent side effects that may occur when metoclopramide is used with anticancer medicines.

When taken by mouth, metoclopramide is used to treat the symptoms of a certain type of stomach problem called diabetic gastroparesis. It relieves symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, continued feeling of fullness after meals, and loss of appetite. Metoclopramide is also used, for a short time, to treat symptoms such as heartburn in patients who suffer esophageal injury from a backward flow of gastric acid into the esophagus.

Metoclopramide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Metoclopramide is available only with your doctor's prescription. It is available in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Oral Concentrate (U.S.)
• Oral Solution (U.S. and Canada)

Parenteral
• Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Octamide
• Metoclopramide Intensol
• Reglan

In Canada—

• Apo-Metoclop
• Maxeran
• PMS-Metoclopramide
• Reglan

Generic name product may be available in the U.S.