Reglan

Generic name: Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide tablets

What are metoclopramide tablets?

METOCLOPRAMIDE (Reglan®) has a number of uses. Metoclopramide helps to control and relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease such as heartburn. It is also used to help people with poor motility of the stomach and intestinal tract. Generic metoclopramide tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma
• breast cancer
• depression
• G6PD deficiency
• high blood pressure
• kidney disease
• methemoglobin reductase deficiency
• Parkinson's disease or a movement disorder
• pheochromocytoma
• seizures (convulsions)
• stomach obstruction, bleeding, or perforation
• an unusual or allergic reaction to metoclopramide, procainamide, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take metoclopramide tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take metoclopramide on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before eating. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with metoclopramide?

• alcohol
• bromocriptine
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• medicines for diabetes, including insulin
• medicines that treat diarrhea
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for Parkinson's disease, like levodopa
• medicines for sleep or for pain

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking metoclopramide?

Serious or limiting side effects are uncommon, but may include:

• breast enlargement in men or women, or production of breast-milk in women who are not breast-feeding
• change in the way you walk (shuffling feet)
• difficulty moving, speaking or swallowing
• drooling, lip smacking, or rapid movements of the tongue
• involuntary or uncontrollable movements of the eyes, head, arms and legs
• irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• muscle twitches and spasms
• skin rash
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• depression
• diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• menstrual changes
• restlessness or nervousness
• sexual difficulties (decreased sexual desire or impotence)

What should I watch for while taking metoclopramide?

It may take a few weeks for your stomach condition to improve on this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how metoclopramide affects you. Alcohol can increase drowsiness or dizziness; avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking metoclopramide.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.