Metoclopramide

What metoclopramide is for

Metoclopramide is an anti-sickness medicine that is used to treat, or prevent, you feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting).

You may be offered it to prevent any sickness from happening after you've had chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Metoclopramide is also prescribed to treat the sickness that can happen during a migraine.

How to take metoclopramide

Metoclopramide usually comes as tablets or a liquid that you swallow.

Metoclopramide can be taken up to 3 times a day. You need to leave at least 6 hours between each dose, even if you are sick (vomit) after taking it.

You will usually be prescribed the medicine for a short time as it can cause side effects if taken for longer than 5 days.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of metoclopramide

If you forget to take a dose of metoclopramide, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose.

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you take too much metoclopramide

Taking too much metoclopramide can be dangerous.

Call NHS 111 if:

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the metoclopramide packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Side effects of metoclopramide

Like all medicines, metoclopramide can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of metoclopramide can include:

• feeling sleepy (drowsy)
• low mood or depression
• diarrhoea
• feeling unusually weak and lacking in energy

If you feel drowsy do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have this symptom.

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

Serious side effects

Metoclopramide can sometimes cause serious side effects.

The most common serious side effect is that you get uncontrollable physical movements, such as tics, tremors, muscle stiffness and spasms.

This can happen as soon as you start taking the medicine and may be a sign your dose needs adjusting.

Other serious side effects include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) - causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• neuroleptic malignant syndrome - causing symptoms such as high temperature, heavy sweating, muscle stiffness and increasing mental confusion
• seeing and hearing things that are not real (hallucinations)
• a slow heartbeat (bradycardia) - causing symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, tiredness and shortness of breath

Call 999 if:

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of metoclopramide.

For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website.

Who can and cannot take metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is suitable for most adults and children aged 1 year or over.

Metoclopramide is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from metoclopramide
• you have epilepsy
• you have Parkinson's disease
• you have a blockage, hole, tear, or bleeding inside your stomach, intestines or bowel, or you've recently had surgery to this part of your body (gastrointestinal surgery)

Before taking metoclopramide, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and metoclopramide

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.

Metoclopramide is not usually used while breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and metoclopramide

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or you get pregnant while taking metoclopramide.

Metoclopramide can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.

Find out more about taking metoclopramide in pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking metoclopramide with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with metoclopramide.

This includes some types of:

• SSRI antidepressants
• medicines used for Parkinson's disease
• medicines that can make you feel sleepy (drowsy), such as medicines for anxiety, or strong painkillers
• medicines for psychosis

This is not the full list of medicines that may not mix well with metoclopramide.

Before taking metoclopramide, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with metoclopramide

You can eat and drink as normal when taking metoclopramide. But it's best not to drink alcohol because this increases the risk of side effects.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can:

• check the leaflet that comes with it
• search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
• speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice

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