Reglan
Generic Name:
Metoclopramide hydrochloride
Brand Names:
Reglan, Reglan ODT, Octamide, Maxolon
Reglan Description:
Reglan is a medication primarily prescribed to aid in the relief of symptoms of heartburn. Reglan works to increase the speed of the contractions of muscles in the upper digestive tract, which increases the time that it takes for the stomach to empty into the intestines, assisting in the passage of food. While Reglan is most commonly used in the treatment of heartburn, the medication may also be used in the treatment of diabetics with diabetic gastroparesis, or in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Reglan Side Effects:
A number of serious conditions have been linked to Reglan use. Some of these conditions that may be caused by Reglan include:
- Agranulocytosis (failure of the bone marrow to make enough white blood cells)
- Aldosteronism (syndrome marked by high blood pressure and low blood potassium levels)
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
- Seizures
- Slow heart beat
- Tardive dyskinesia (a disorder causing involuntary movements, especially facial tics in the lower face)
- Endocrine disturbances
- Liver problems
- Disorders similar to Parkinson’s disease
For more information, see our Reglan side effects page.
Reglan Uses:
Reglan is a prescription medication prescribed to patients to aid in the short-term relief of symptoms of esophagitis and heartburn due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The medication should only be prescribed to patients who do not respond favorably to typical forms of therapy and should be used for only four to 12 weeks at a time.
Reglan is typically more beneficial to patients who experience heartburn during the day rather than those who suffer from heartburn at night. The medication is often prescribed for use before meals that typically cause the patient to experience symptoms of heartburn.
Diabetic patients with diabetic gastric stasis, or gastroparesis, may also benefit from treatment with Reglan, though the medication does not prevent the condition. Reglan may help alleviate symptoms associated with gastroparesis, including nausea, heartburn and anorexia.
Reglan may be prescribed to treat cancer patients following chemotherapy in an effort to prevent nausea. Reglan may also be administered to help aid in the emptying of the stomach before radiological exams to ease the process of passing tubes through the small intestine, mouth or nose.
Symptoms including vomiting, abdominal distention and nausea may also be alleviated in patients who take Reglan and suffer from impaired function of the small intestine muscles.
Reglan Interactions:
While taking Reglan, patients should avoid certain medications that may cause an adverse reaction to occur, such as grimaces, jerks, tremors, or writhing movements, as symptoms could worsen. Speak with your doctor before taking Reglan with another medication.
Medications that may interact with Reglan include:
- Acetaminophen
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants
- Narcotic painkillers
- Tetracycline
- Antispasmodic drugs
- Cimetidine
- Cyclosporine
- Digoxin
- Insulin
- Levodopa
- Tranquilizers
- Sleeping pills
Patients who take insulin for diabetes may have to alter their dosing or dosing schedule while taking Reglan.
Reglan Dosage Information:
Reglan is supplied as an oral tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet or an injection. Treatment with Reglan should not last longer than 12 weeks.
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Reglan dosages may vary, depending on the severity and type of condition being treated.
- For the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux- 10 mg to 15 mg up to four times a day at least 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime for 4 to 12 weeks
- For the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis- 10 mg before each meal and at bedtime for 2 to 8 weeks
If Reglan is given intravenously, doses are typically administered slowly over a period of 1 to 15 minutes.
- For the prevention of nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatments- doses are given 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy and repeated every 2 hours for two doses, then every 3 hours for three doses
- For the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting- 10 to 20 mg given into the muscle after surgery
- To aid in gastric emptying- 10 mg administered slowly by IV over period of 1-2 minutes
Missing a Dose of Reglan
If you miss a dose of oral Reglan, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule. A medical professional will administer intravenous injections of Reglan.
Reglan Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used or received too much of this medication.
Reglan FDA Approval:
December 30, 1980
June 10, 2005 for the orally disintegrating tablet
Reglan Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Reglan received a black box warning in March 2009 to emphasize the risk of tardive dyskinesia, a severe movement disorder that is often permanent. The warning notes that treatment with Reglan for more than 12 weeks should be avoided in most cases and should be stopped if patients begin demonstrating symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.
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