Metoclopramide is used to prevent nausea and vomiting from surgery or chemotherapy. It is also used by people with diabetes who have slow emptying of their stomachs (gastroparesis). Treating gastroparesis can decrease symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and stomach/abdominal fullness. Metoclopramide may also be used in certain procedures where stomach emptying is needed. Metoclopramide works by blocking a natural substance (dopamine) which can cause nausea and vomiting. It also speeds up stomach emptying and movement of the upper intestines.

This drug is not recommended for use in children younger than 1 year due to an increased risk of serious side effects (such as muscle spasms/uncontrolled muscle movements). Ask the doctor or pharmacist for details.

See also Warning section.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using metoclopramide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into a muscle or vein by a health care professional.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, weight and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as dizziness, nervousness, headaches). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used metoclopramide for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

Tell your doctor right away if your condition lasts or gets worse.

See also Warning section.

Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, headache, flushing, or 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)
• 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)
• swelling of the hands/feet
• decreased sexual ability
• enlarged/tender breasts (in men)
• changes in menstruation in women
• abnormal breast milk production

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.

Before using 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 using 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
• a certain adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma)
• seizures
• mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide)
• Parkinson's disease
• high blood pressure
• heart failure
• liver disease
• kidney problems
• a certain blood enzyme problem (NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency)
• breast cancer

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).

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.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, tardive dyskinesia, and Parkinson-like side effects. 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.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include:

• antipsychotic drugs (such as aripiprazole, haloperidol)
• atovaquone
• dopamine agonists (such as cabergoline, pergolide, ropinirole)
• fosfomycin
• MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• pramlintide
• phenothiazines (such as promethazine, prochlorperazine)
• rivastigmine

Metoclopramide causes food and medication to move through your stomach more quickly, which may affect the absorption of some drugs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if any of the drugs that you are taking may be affected.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and opioid pain relievers (such as codeine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital and will not be stored at home.