About metoclopramide hcl
Dopamine-blocking antiemetic and prokinetic
Used for
- Treats nausea and vomiting, including after surgery or chemotherapy.
- Helps prevent nausea linked to migraine treatment.
- Improves stomach emptying in diabetic gastroparesis.
Usual adult dose
Usually 10 mg by injection up to three times daily; use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
Usual dose in children
For children aged 1–18 years, 0.1–0.15 mg/kg per dose, up to three times daily; maximum 0.5 mg/kg daily. Specialist use only.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness, restlessness, or diarrhea.
- Involuntary movements or muscle spasms.
- Raised prolactin levels, sometimes causing breast changes.
Important warnings
- Can cause serious movement disorders; risk rises with prolonged use.
- Avoid in bowel blockage, bleeding, or perforation; Parkinson’s disease; or epilepsy.
- May cause severe allergic reactions or a dangerous heart rhythm.
- Injection should be given by a healthcare professional.
Pregnancy
May be used when clinically needed; use near delivery may affect the newborn. A clinician should assess risks.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk; occasional short-term use is generally considered compatible, but monitor the infant for drowsiness or unusual movements.
Interactions
- Avoid with levodopa or dopamine agonists; effects may oppose each other.
- Alcohol, opioids, and sedatives can increase drowsiness.
- Antipsychotics may increase movement-related side effects.
- May affect absorption of medicines such as digoxin and ciclosporin.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.