Generic Reglan (Metoclopramide)

Description

Common use

Reglan is an anti-vomiting medications which prevents vomit, hiccup, stimulates and coordinates motor activity of gastrointestinal tract. Reglan increases both acetylcholine release from neurons and cholinergic receptor sensitivity to acetylcholine. It is a blocker of serotonin receptors. It increases lower esophageal sphincter tone, stimulates contractions of smooth gastric muscles and at the same time relaxes the pylorus and duodenum. Reglan interacts with the dopamine receptors in the brain and can be effective in treating nausea. This medication is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetic gastroparesis, atonia and hypotonia of the stomach and intestines, biliary dyskinesia, flatulence, complex therapy of gastric and duodenal ulcers in phase of exacerbation, acceleration of peristaltic activity during gastrointestinal radiocontrast studies.

Dosage and direction

Usual dose of Reglan for adults is 5-10 mg 3-4 times a day before a meal with a glass of water. In patients with vomiting, severe nausea 10 mg of Reglan is administered intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously. Measure liquid drug with a special dose-measuring spoon. The oral concentrate form of Reglan must be mixed with another liquid (water, fruit juice, soda) or a soft food. Take this medication exactly as prescribed to you, do not use it longer than 3 months.

Precautions

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to Reglan or have bleeding or blockage in your stomach or intestines, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, or an adrenal gland tumor. Notify your doctor about such your conditions as kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, or a history of depression. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages during treatment.

Contraindications

Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, mechanical intestinal obstruction, perforation of the stomach or intestines, pheochromocytoma, extrapyramidal disorders, epilepsy, prolactin-dependent tumors, glaucoma, pregnancy, breastfeeding, concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs, hypersensitivity to Reglan.

Possible side effect

Most common side effects of Reglan are drowsiness, restlessness, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and sedation. More serious side effects include: tremors, rigidity, or restless muscle movements in your eyes, slow movements, tongue, jaw, or neck, mask-like appearance of the face (similar to Parkinson’s disease), fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, depressed mood, hallucinations, jaundice, swelling, tardive dyskinesia. Involuntary movements of the arms and legs are possible in children and adults over 30 y.o. If you experience symptoms listed above stop taking Reglan and notify your doctor about it, you may need immediate medical attention.

Drug interaction

Narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, and medicine for anxiety can aggravate sleepiness caused by Reglan.

Missed dose

If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember, but not if it is almost time of the next intake by your schedule. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time of your next dose. Do not try to compensate a missed dose by taking an extra one.

Overdose

If you suspect that you took too much of the medication seek for immediate medical attention. Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, confusion, tremors or uncontrolled muscle movements in face or neck, or seizure.

Storage

Save Reglan in a dry place away from sunlight at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F).

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.