Metoclopramide Hydrochloride
Generic Details
Generic Name
Metoclopramide Hydrochloride
Other Names
- Reglan
- Maxolon
Drug Class
- Prokinetic Agent
- Antiemetic
Chemical Formula
C14H22ClN3O2
Molecular Weight
299.80 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Dopamine D2 receptor antagonist
- 5-HT3 receptor antagonist
- 5-HT4 receptor agonist
Indications
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diabetic gastroparesis
- Radiographic exam adjunct
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Oral Solution
- Injection
Typical Dosage
- 10 mg 3-4 times a day before meals
- 5-10 mg IV or IM every 8 hours as needed
Pediatric Dosage
- 0.1-0.15 mg/kg/dose up to 10 mg per dose orally 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime
Geriatric Dosage
- 5 mg 2-3 times a day before meals
Side Effects
- Restlessness
- Drowsiness
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Diarrhea
Contraindications
- Gastrointestinal obstruction
- Bleeding
- Pheochromocytoma
- Parkinson's disease
Pregnancy Category
- Category B (US FDA)
Lactation Safety
- Safe - excreted in breast milk in small amounts
Drug Interactions
- Anticholinergic drugs
- Dopamine antagonists
- Antipsychotic drugs
Overdose Symptoms
- Drowsiness
- Mental confusion
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
- Seizures
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote
Storage Conditions
- Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C)
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Widely distributed in the body, including the CNS
- Metabolism: Hepatic
- Excretion: Primarily renal
Precautions
- Patients with a history of depression
- Patients with Parkinson's disease
Warnings
- May cause tardive dyskinesia with long-term use
Others
- Metoclopramide may cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potentially fatal reaction characterized by hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, and autonomic dysfunction.