Metoclopramide is used for:

Metoclopramide is commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting. It is also used by itself or in combination with paracetamol (acetaminophen) for the relief of migraine. These prokinetic effects make metoclopramide useful in the treamtent of gastric stasis. By inhibiting the action of prolactin inhibiting hormone (i.e. dopamine), metoclopramide has sometimes been used to stimulate lactation.

Treating symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (heartburn) in patients who do not respond to other treatment. It is also used to treat symptoms associated with a certain digestive problem in diabetic patients (diabetic gastroparesis). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Metoclopramide is a gastrointestinal stimulant and anti-nauseant. It works by increasing the movement of the stomach and intestines to help move food and acid out of the stomach more quickly. It also works in certain areas in the brain to decrease nausea.

Do NOT use Metoclopramide if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Metoclopramide
• you have seizures (eg, epilepsy); bleeding, blockage, or perforation in your stomach or intestines; or tumors on your adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma)
• you are taking cabergoline or pergolide
• you are taking medicines, such as phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), that may cause extrapyramidal reactions (abnormal, involuntary muscle movements of the head, neck, or limbs)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Metoclopramide :

Some medical conditions may interact with Metoclopramide. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have depression, asthma, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, Parkinson disease, blood problems (eg, porphyria), kidney problems, or low levels of an enzyme called methemoglobin reductase

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Metoclopramide. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Cisapride or droperidol because side effects, such as muscle rigidity, increased heart rate, and altered mental abilities, may occur
• Anticholinergic medicine (eg, hyoscyamine), certain antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine), or narcotic pain medicines (eg, codeine) because they may decrease Metoclopramide 's effectiveness
• Acetaminophen, alcohol, levodopa, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), sedatives (eg, zolpidem), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), succinylcholine, or tetracycline because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Metoclopramide
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, phenelzine) because the risk of serious side effects (eg, high blood pressure, seizures) may be increased
• Cabergoline, digoxin, or pergolide because their effectiveness may be decreased by Metoclopramide

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Metoclopramide may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Metoclopramide :

Use Metoclopramide as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Metoclopramide by mouth 30 minutes before meals unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
• It may take several days to weeks for Metoclopramide to work. Do not stop taking Metoclopramide without checking with your doctor.
• If you miss a dose of Metoclopramide , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Metoclopramide.

Important safety information:

• Metoclopramide may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Metoclopramide with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Metoclopramide without first checking with your doctor; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Diabetes patients - Metoclopramide may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Metoclopramide. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
• Lab tests, including liver and kidney function tests, may be performed while you use Metoclopramide. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Metoclopramide should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 15 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Metoclopramide while you are pregnant. This medicine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Metoclopramide , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Metoclopramide :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Agitation; anxiety; breast growth; changes in menstrual flow; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; foot tapping; frequent urination; headache; inability to sit still; jitteriness; lack of energy; loss of bladder control; nausea; pacing; restlessness; sleeplessness; spontaneous flow of breast milk; tiredness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); altered mental abilities, including lack of response to surroundings; breathing problems; depression with thoughts of suicide; fever; fluid retention; hallucinations; hives; impotence; increased body heat; increased heart rate; involuntary movements of tongue, face, mouth or jaw (eg, sticking out of the tongue, puffing of cheeks, puckering of mouth, chewing movements), sometimes with involuntary movements of the arms and legs; irregular heart rhythm; irregular pulse and blood pressure; mood changes; muscle rigidness; muscle twitching; rash; seizures; slow movements with tremor; sweating; swelling in the throat area; tightness in the lungs; unusual or unexplained vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.