Reglan
Generic Name:
Metoclopramide hydrochloride
Brand Names:
Reglan, Octamide, Maxolon
Reglan Description:
Reglan is used to increase the muscle contractions that take place in the upper digestive tract. By speeding up these muscle contractions, the drug also speeds up the process of the stomach emptying into the intestines and helps with food passage. Therefore, Reglan is most commonly used to treat heartburn, though it may also be used to assist diabetics with a condition known as diabetic gastroparesis.
Reglan Side Effects:
A number of serious conditions have been linked to Reglan use. Some of these conditions that could develop following Reglan treatment include:
- Agranulocytosis (failure of the bone marrow to make enough white blood cells)
- Aldosteronism (syndrome of high blood pressure and low blood potassium levels)
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
- Seizures
- Slow heart beat
- Tardive dyskinesia (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 primarily used to provide short-term relief to patients suffering from heartburn and esophagitis due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), though it should only be used for 4 to 12 weeks at a time and should only be prescribed to patients who do not respond to conventional forms of therapy. The medication is most helpful to those who experience heartburn during the daytime rather than at night. It is generally prescribed for use before meals that tend to cause heartburn in patients who only experience heartburn symptoms after eating certain foods.
Reglan may also be prescribed to diabetics who are suffering from diabetic gastric stasis, or gastroparesis. Although the medication does not prevent the condition from occurring, it may help relieve the symptoms associated with the condition which include anorexia, feeling "full,” heartburn, and nausea.
The drug may also be used to stimulate the emptying of the stomach in preparation for radiological examinations and to make it easier to pass tubes through the nose, mouth, and small intestine. It may also be prescribed to patients following cancer chemotherapy treatments or surgery in order to prevent nausea.
Patients suffering from impaired function of the small intestine muscles, whether due to injury, illness or medication, may also take Reglan to help alleviate symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and abdominal distention.
Reglan Interactions:
While taking Reglan, you should not take medications that are likely to cause side effects such as tremors, jerks, grimaces, or writhing movements, as symptoms could be made more severe.
Other drugs that may interact with Reglan include:
- Acetaminophen
- Antispasmodic drugs
- Cimetidine
- Cyclosporine
- Digoxin
- Insulin
- Levodopa
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants
- Narcotic painkillers
- Sleeping pills
- Tetracycline
- Tranquilizers
If you take insulin for diabetes, your insulin dosage or dosing schedule may have to be adjusted while you are taking Reglan.
Reglan Dosage Information:
Reglan is usually taken 30 minutes prior to a meal for a period of 4 to 12 weeks. If being used to treat gastric stasis, doses may be prescribed to be taken at the first sign of a recurrence. Tablets are dissolved in a full glass of water or other liquid such as soda, fruit juice, or a soft food such as applesauce or pudding. The usual dose is 10 to 15 mg, taken up to 4 times a day depending on the symptoms.
Missing a Dose:
If you miss a dose, 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. Do not take two doses at once.
Overdosing:
Seek emergency medical attention if you suspect an overdose has occurred. Overdose symptoms include disorientation, drowsiness, agitation, and involuntary movements.
Reglan FDA Approval:
December 30, 1980
Reglan Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
In March 2009, warnings on Reglan were increased to Black-Box-level to further emphasize the risk of tardive dyskinesia associated with the use of Reglan, especially as duration of treatment increases and total cumulative dose increases. Tardive dyskinesia, a serious movement disorder, is often permanent. One study reported a tardive dyskinesia prevalence of 20 percent among patients treated for 12 weeks or more. Symptoms of the condition include repetitive, purposeless movements such as grimacing, sticking your tongue out, lip smacking, pursing the lips, rapid arm, leg, finger, or toe movements, rapid eye blinking, twitches, and other facial tics.
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