Metoclopramide belongs to the classes of medications called antiemetics and prokinetics. It is used to improve stomach emptying after surgery or other procedures. It can also be used to prevent nausea caused by narcotics after operations. It works by speeding up the rate at which the stomach empties and by blocking nausea triggers in the brain.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended adult dose of metoclopramide for symptoms resulting from delayed stomach emptying ranges from 5 mg to 10 mg 3 or 4 times daily before meals. The recommended dose for children (aged 5 to 14 years) is 2.5 mg to 5 mg 3 times daily before meals. The injectable form of metoclopramide is most often used for the prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital. The maximum daily dose for both adults and children is 0.5 mg/kg of body weight.

Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not take metoclopramide if you:

• are allergic to metoclopramide or any ingredients of this medication
• have a history of tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder)
• have a condition where faster passage of materials through the stomach might be dangerous (e.g., in cases of stomach bleeding, or breaks in the stomach lining)
• have a pheochromocytoma
• have epilepsy
• are taking other medications that may cause movement disorders

Metoclopramide should not be given to children less than one year of age.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• decreased sexual ability
• diarrhea (with high doses)
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• fatigue
• headache
• restlessness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• decreased urinary or bladder control
• difficulty speaking or swallowing
• dizziness or fainting
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• fluid retention (e.g., swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower leg)
• general feeling of tiredness or weakness
• hallucinations (e.g., seeing or hearing things that aren't there)
• headache (severe or continuing)
• inability to move eyes
• increase in blood pressure
• lip smacking or puckering
• loss of balance control
• mask-like face
• muscle spasms of face, neck, and back
• puffing of cheeks
• rapid or worm-like movements of tongue
• shuffling walk
• signs of anemia (low red blood cells; e.g., dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath)
• signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• signs of heart problems (e.g., shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, swelling hands, feet, or legs)
• signs of infection or more frequent infections (e.g., fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
• sore throat
• stiffness of arms or legs
• tic-like or twitching movements
• trembling and shaking of hands and fingers
• twisting movements of body
• uncontrolled chewing movements
• uncontrolled movements of arms and legs
• unusual eye movements
• vision changes
• weakness of arms and legs

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• seizures
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, swelling of the face and throat)
• signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (e.g., confusion, reduced consciousness, high fever, or muscle stiffness)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Depression: Metoclopramide has been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking this medication, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Metoclopramide may cause drowsiness and increase the drowsiness caused by alcohol and other drugs. Avoid driving and doing other potentially hazardous activities until you have determined the effect this medication has on you.

Kidney function: People who have reduced kidney function may be at an increased risk of developing kidney failure. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function:  Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking this medication.

Medical conditions: If you have epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): In rare cases, metoclopramide can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS such as high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, or fainting, get immediate medical attention.

Parkinson's disease: Metoclopramide may worsen movement difficulties for people with Parkinson's Disease. If you have Parkinson's disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD): Metoclopramide may cause tardive dyskinesia (TD) to develop. TD is a potentially irreversible syndrome of involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and tongue muscles. Although TD appears most commonly in seniors, especially women, it is impossible to predict who will develop TD. The risk of developing TD increases with higher doses and long-term treatment. If you experience muscle twitching or abnormal movements of the face or tongue, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Seizures: Taking metoclopramide may increase the risk of experiencing movement disorders or more seizures. If you have a history of seizures or epilepsy, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking metoclopramide, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Metoclopramide should not be used in children less than one year of age. It should only be used in children over one year of age when the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks of side effects. Children may be more at risk of experiencing abnormal involuntary movements such as tremors and abnormal twitching movements, even at recommended dosages.

Seniors: Seniors appear to have a higher risk of side effects with long-term treatment of metoclopramide.

There may be an interaction between metoclopramide and any of the following:

• abiraterone
• aclidinium
• alcohol
• alpha agonists (e.g., clonidine, guanfacine)
• amiodarone
• antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, loratadine)
• anti-Parkinson's medications (e.g., amantadine, apomorphine, bromocriptine, levodopa, pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine)
• antipsychotics (e.g., cariprazine, chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone)
• atovaquone
• atropine
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, phenobarbital)
• benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, triazolam)
• benztropine
• brimonidine
• bromocriptine
• buprenorphine
• bupropion
• butorphanol
• cabergoline
• cinacalcet
• clidinium
• cyclosporine
• dapsone
• darifenacin
• darunavir
• digoxin
• diphenoxylate
• disopyramide
• dronedarone
• efavirenz
• entacapone
• esketamine
• ethopropazine
• fesoterodine
• flibanserin
• flunarizine
• fosfomycin
• glycopyrrolate
• hexylresorcinol
• ipratropium
• ketotifen
• lemborexant
• lidocaine
• linezolid
• lithium
• methadone
• mirabegron
• mirtazapine
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs; e.g., moclobemide, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• muscle relaxants (e.g., baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine, tizanidine)
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, tapentadol, tramadol)
• olopatadine
• oxybutynin
• peginterferon alfa-2b
• perampanel
• pizotifen
• pomalidomide
• pregabalin
• propiverine
• certain protein kinase inhibitors (e.g., dacomitinib, lenvatinib, selpercatinib, vandetanib)
• procainamide
• rivastigmine
• seizure medications (e.g., clobazam, gabapentin, lamotrigine, primidone, topiramate, valproic acid, vigabatrin)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI; e.g., citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, vortioxetine)
• serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, venlafaxine)
• sirolimus
• sodium oxybate
• solifenacin
• sotalol
• tacrolimus
• terbinafine
• tetrabenazine
• tetracaine
• thalidomide
• tipranavir
• tiotropium
• tolterodine
• trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline)
• trihexyphenidyl
• triptorelin
• trospium
• tryptophan
• umeclidinium
• zolpidem
• zopiclone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.