About metoclopramide hydrochloride
Dopamine-blocking antiemetic and prokinetic
Used for
- Treats nausea and vomiting
- Helps prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy
- Treats diabetic gastroparesis
- May help with migraine-related nausea
Usual adult dose
Usually 10 mg up to three times daily; injection dosing depends on the condition and should be given by a healthcare professional.
Usual dose in children
For children aged 1–18 years, a single dose of 0.1–0.15 mg/kg; maximum 10 mg per dose. Use only when prescribed.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness, tiredness, or dizziness
- Restlessness or agitation
- Diarrhoea
- Involuntary movements or muscle spasms
Important warnings
- Can cause serious movement disorders, especially with prolonged use; treatment is usually limited to five days.
- Avoid in bowel blockage or bleeding, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, or previous movement reactions to this medicine.
- Use cautiously with kidney problems; lower doses may be needed.
- Injection should be administered by a healthcare professional.
Pregnancy
May be used when clinically needed; suitability depends on the circumstances and pregnancy stage.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk. It may affect the infant or milk production; check suitability with a clinician.
Interactions
- Antipsychotics and other medicines causing movement disorders may increase movement-related side effects.
- Opioids, sedatives, and alcohol may increase drowsiness.
- Levodopa and dopamine agonists can have opposing effects.
- Some antidepressants, including fluoxetine, may increase side effects or medicine levels.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.