Reglan (Metoclopramide)

Description

Reglan (metoclopramide) is a prescription medication used:

• To treat and prevent post-op and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
• To facilitate intestinal intubation
• As a diagnostic aid during gastrointestinal radiography
• To treat symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• To treat diabetic and postsurgical gastroparesis
• To treat migraine
• To treat persistent hiccups
• For lactation induction
• For radiation sensitization
• To treat pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting
• To facilitate gastric emptying in babies with feeding intolerance
• To treat Tourette’s syndrome or chronic tic disorders
• To treat cyclic vomiting syndrome

Reglan is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• 5 mg/mL intramuscular injection
• 5 mg/mL intravenous injection
• 5 mg and 10 mg tablets to be taken by mouth
• 5 mg and 10 mg tablets to be dissolved in the mouth

Directions

Reglan should be used as your doctor has prescribed. You may speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any questions or concerns arise.

The condition being treated determines your dose and dosage form of Reglan. Information concerning the dosage form and dose of Reglan you should use will be provided to you by your doctor.

An adjusted dose may be necessary for patients with liver and kidney issues.

Ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Reglan is metoclopramide.

Contraindications

Do not use Reglan if you have any of the following:

• An allergy to metoclopramide, paraben, procainamide, or to any of the other ingredients contained in Reglan
• Gastrointestinal motility stimulation that may be dangerous (e.g., gastrointestinal bleeding, obstruction, or perforation)

• Seizures or seizure disorder
• History of tardive dyskinesia or a dystonic reaction

• Pheochromocytoma or catecholamine-releasing paragangliomas

Children, infants, and neonates should also avoid some forms of Reglan.

Cautions

Reglan includes the following FDA Boxed Warning:

• Tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder that can be irreversible, can occur with Reglan use. Treatment for tardive dyskinesia is not known. The risk for tardive dyskinesia increases with duration of treatment and total cumulative dosage.

• Reglan should be stopped in patients who develop signs or symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.

• Reglan treatment should not exceed more than 12 weeks due to the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia with longer-term use.

• Before you start treatment with Reglan, talk to your doctor about:
• All prescription and nonprescription medications you take
• Any allergies you may have
• Your past medical history and current health issues
• Your pregnancy status
• Your breastfeeding status
• Use Reglan with caution if you have heart disease, heart failure, or high blood pressure.
• Avoid abruptly stopping Reglan.
• Patients with depression may need to avoid Reglan.
• You should avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in other hazardous activities until you know how you tolerate Reglan.
• The lowest effective dose possible should be used in older patients.
• Patients with liver disease or kidney failure should use caution while using Reglan. Dose adjustments may be required.
• Patients with a history of breast cancer should use caution while using Reglan.
• Pregnant patients should only use Reglan if necessary.
• Patients who are breastfeeding should use Reglan with caution.
• Reglan can cause malignant hyperthermia.

Side Effects

Restlessness, drowsiness, fatigue, and lack of energy are possible Reglan side effects; however, other side effects may also occur. Contact your doctor right away if you have side effects that bother you or won’t go away.

Looking to buy Reglan medication online at a competitive price? With a valid prescription from your doctor, you can at Canada Drugs Direct.

References:

1. Metoclopramide. PDR.
2. Reglan. Baudette, MN; ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2017.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....