Metoclopramide is a drug used to relieve nausea and vomiting caused by can caused by stomach acid disease, side effects of surgical procedures, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.
Metoclopramide works by speeding up gastric emptying, thereby reducing nausea and preventing vomiting. This medicine should not be used long-term and should only be used as prescribed by a doctor.
Metoclopramide trademark: Damaben, Opram, Piralen, Primperan, Sotatic
What is Metoclopramide
| group | Antiemetic |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Relieves nausea and vomiting |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Metoclopramide for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women. In nursing mothers, metoclopramide may be absorbed into breast milk and should not be used during breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Syrup, tablets, caplets, injections |
Precautions Before Using Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide should not be used carelessly. Before using metoclopramide, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use metoclopramide if you are allergic to this medicine.
- Do not use metoclopramide for more than 12 weeks, because it can increase the risk of side effects such as tardive dyskinesia.
- Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy, pheochromocytoma, or any gastrointestinal disturbances, including bleeding, obstruction, or perforation.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease, movement disorders, heart failure, arrhythmias, hypertension, breast cancer, diabetes, mental disorders, or Parkinson's disease.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery while you are taking metoclopramide, as this medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking metoclopramide, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
- If an allergic drug reaction or overdose occurs after using metoclopramide, see a doctor immediately.
Metoclopramide Dosage and Directions
The metoclopramide dose prescribed by the doctor may vary from patient to patient. The following is the dosage of metoclopramide based on the purpose, dosage form of the drug, and the age of the patient:
Purpose: Prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Shape: Oral medications (tablets, caplets, or syrups)
- Adults: 10 mg, 3 times daily. The maximum dose is 30 mg per day. Maximum duration of treatment is 5 days.
- Children: 0.1–0.15 mg/kg, 3 times daily. Maximum duration of treatment is 5 days.
Purpose: Treating GERD
Shape: Drinking medicine
- Adults: 10-15 mg, 4 times daily. The maximum dose is 60 mg per day. Maximum duration of treatment is 3 months.
Purpose: Treat diabetic gastric stasis
Shape: Drinking medicine
- Adult: 10 mg, 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. The maximum dose is 40 mg per day. The duration of treatment is 2–8 weeks.
Purpose: Treatment before radiological examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract
Shape: Drinking medicine
- Adults: 10 or 20 mg, single dose, given before examination
The dose of the drug in the form of an injection will be given by the doctor according to the patient's condition. Likewise for elderly patients, dosage adjustments will be made.
How to Use Metoclopramide Correctly
Be sure to read the instructions on the medicine package and follow the doctor's instructions for using metoclopramide. Metoclopramide injectable dosage form will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
Metoclopramide in tablet form is taken 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. If you are taking metaclopramide in syrup form, use the special spoon included in the package for the correct dosage.
Take metoclopramide regularly at the same time every day. This medicine should be taken after meals. Do not reduce or increase the dose of metoclopramide without your doctor's advice and advice.
Store metoclopramide in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Metoclopramide Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some interactions that may occur when taking metoclopramide with other medicines:
- Increases the effect of drowsiness when used with sedatives
- Prolongs the muscle relaxant effect of mivacurium and suxamethonium
- Increase the risk of occurrence tardive dyskinesia when used with antipsychotic drugs
- Increases the risk of serotonin syndrome when used with SSRI antidepressants
- Increase the effectiveness of ciclosporin
Metoclopramide Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that may appear after using metoclopramide, including:
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Nauseous
- Diarrhea
- Tired
- Hard to sleep
- Worried
Consult a doctor if the side effects above do not subside or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- The appearance of uncontrolled movements, including tremors
- Decreased sexual desire
- Mood swings
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Menstrual disorders
- Gynecomastia
- Milk leaking from the nipples (galactorrhea)
In addition, although rare, the use of metoclopramide can also cause malignant neuroleptic syndrome, which is characterized by fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, or an irregular heartbeat.