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Metoclopramide

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Warning

This medication may cause a serious movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, this condition may be permanent. The risk of tardive dyskinesia is increased with the longer use of the medication and the more medication that you take. The risk is also increased in older adults (especially women) and in people with diabetes. Metoclopramide comes in different forms (such as tablets, solution, injection). Do not use metoclopramide products for longer than 12 weeks. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

Tell your doctor right away if you develop any unusual uncontrolled movements (especially of the face, mouth, tongue, arms or legs). There is no treatment for tardive dyskinesia, but in some cases the symptoms may lessen or stop once metoclopramide is stopped.

Precautions

Before taking metoclopramide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: history of movement/muscle disorders (such as tardive dyskinesia, dystonia) caused by a medication, bleeding/blockage/hole in the intestines/stomach, breast cancer, high blood pressure, kidney problems, heart failure, mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), Parkinson's disease, liver problems (such as cirrhosis, porphyria), a certain adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma), seizures, a certain blood enzyme problem (NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Liquid products may contain alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to limit alcohol. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

If you have diabetes, this product may make it harder to control your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have high or low blood sugar. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle spasms/uncontrolled muscle movements. See also Uses section.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, tardive dyskinesia, and Parkinson's type muscle problems. Drowsiness can increase the risk of falling.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, agitation, headache, and diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, confusion, depression, thoughts of suicide), decreased sexual ability, inability to keep still/need to pace, muscle spasms/uncontrolled muscle movements (such as twisting neck, arching back), Parkinson-like symptoms (such as shaking, slowed/difficult movement, mask-like facial expression), abnormal breast-milk production, enlarged/tender breasts, swelling of the hands/feet, changes in menstruation in women.

This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.