What is Metoclopramide Hcl: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Metoclopramide Hcl overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Reglan, Reglan, Reglan

Generic Names:

  • Metoclopramide Hcl

Uses:

  • Relieves symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Also relieves symptoms of gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying) in patients with diabetes.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiemetic, Diagnostic Agent, Stimulant, Gastrointestinal

Forms:

  • Solution, Tablet, Dissolving Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Metoclopramide Hcl used for?

Reglan is a prescription-only medication that is used to treat heartburn and digestive ulcers symptoms in patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Reglan works by increasing the contraction of muscles within the digestive tract to influence movement in the stomach and intestines.

What form(s) does Metoclopramide Hcl come in

  • Solution

  • Tablet

  • Dissolving Tablet

What are common Metoclopramide Hcl doses?

  • Tablet 5MG

  • Tablet 10MG

  • Bottle 473ML of 5MG/5ML

  • Bottle 473ML of 10MG/10ML

  • Tablet Disintegrating 5MG

  • Tablet Disintegrating 10MG

  • Vial 2ML of 5MG/ML

  • Cup 10ML of 5MG/5ML

  • Cup 10ML of 10MG/10ML

  • Syringe 2ML of 5MG/ML

Common Metoclopramide Hcl prescriptions

  • Metoclopramide HCl
    100 tablets bottle

  • Metoclopramide HCl
    473ml of 10mg/10ml bottle

  • Metoclopramide HCl
    473ml of 5mg/5ml bottle

  • Metoclopramide HCl
    10ml of 10mg/10ml cup

  • Metoclopramide HCl
    10 tablets disintegrating package

  • Metoclopramide HCl
    2ml of 5mg/ml syringe

  • Metoclopramide HCl
    10mg tablet

  • Metoclopramide HCl
    5mg tablet

  • Metoclopramide HCl
    10mg tablet disintegrating

  • Metoclopramide HCl
    5mg tablet disintegrating

  • Metoclopramide HCl
    2ml of 5mg/ml vial

How to take Metoclopramide Hcl

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Take this medicine on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime.

  • Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use. Do not use this medicine for longer than 12 weeks.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

  • Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

  • Take this medicine on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use. Do not use this medicine for longer than 12 weeks.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Metoclopramide Hcl

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Metoclopramide Hcl contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use this medicine if you had an allergic reaction to metoclopramide, or if you have epilepsy (seizures), stomach or bowel bleeding or blockage, pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor), or a history of tardive dyskinesia (movement disorder).

Metoclopramide Hcl warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, high blood pressure, or a history of depression. Tell your doctor if you had recent surgery in your stomach.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Tardive dyskinesiaNeuroleptic malignant syndrome (a nerve disorder that could be life-threatening)Changes in mood or behaviorHigh blood pressureIncreased levels of prolactin hormone

  • This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or have trouble with thinking or controlling body movements. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Severe muscle stiffness, tremors, or twitching.

  • Swelling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.

  • Trouble breathing.

  • Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control.

  • Uncontrolled movement of your face, tongue, eyes, neck, or head.

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes

Metoclopramide Hcl interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how metoclopramide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Acetaminophen, apomorphine, atovaquone, bromocriptine, cabergoline, cyclosporine, digoxin, fosfomycin, levodopa, posaconazole oral liquid, pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine, sirolimus, tacrolimus, tetracyclineInsulin or diabetes medicineMedicine for depression (including bupropion, fluoxetine, paroxetine, an MAO inhibitor)Medicine to treat mental illnessNarcotic pain medicine

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Metoclopramide Hcl side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Swelling of the breasts, breast soreness, nipple discharge (in both women and men)

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes

  • Trouble breathing

  • Severe muscle stiffness, tremors, twitching

  • Unusual changes in mood or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat

  • Jerky muscle movements you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Problems with balance or walking

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

  • Seizures

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Problems having sex

  • Skin rash or itching.

  • Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps

  • Irregular menstrual periods

  • Skin rash, itching

  • Headache

  • Restlessness, confusion, trouble sleeping