Reglan is the brand name of metoclopramide. It is used to treat diabetic gastroparesis, GERD, and nausea and vomiting. It is not a first-line agent for GERD and nausea prevention. It is used when other treatments do not work or cannot be used because it can cause irreversible side effects, especially when used long term.

Diabetic gastroparesis is a chronic condition in which the muscles and nerves of the stomach are damaged, so food moves more slowly through the GI tract. Metoclopramide works by helping the stomach empty its contents more quickly, which can reduce symptoms like nausea and heartburn.

The cost of metoclopramide will vary by pharmacy, location, quantity, and strength. You can save money by checking prices at different pharmacies.

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Metoclopramide carries a severe warning of causing tardive dyskinesia. This risk is increased if it is taken longer than 12 weeks.

Tardive dyskinesia causes involuntary muscle movements in the face, arms, legs, and neck that may be irreversible. It can cause difficulty swallowing, eye blinking, jerking movements of the hands and legs, lip smacking, involuntary tongue movements, frowning, and neck twisting.

Always tell your provider about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, and supplements.

Metoclopramide interacts with many medications. The following medications interact with metoclopramide:

• Alcohol
• Antipsychotics
• MAOIs
• Muscle relaxers
• Opioid pain relievers
• Parkinson’s medications
• Sleeping pills

This is not a list of all drug interactions with metoclopramide.

Metoclopramide may not be safe for everyone. If you have any of the following conditions, you should avoid taking metoclopramide:

• Seizures
• Intestinal blockage or bleeding
• History of tardive dyskinesia
• Taking other medications that can cause tardive dyskinesia
• Having an adrenal tumor (pheochromocytoma)

If you have any of the following conditions, talk with your provider before taking metoclopramide:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Heart failure
• Parkinson’s disease
• Breast cancer

Other medications can be used for nausea depending on the cause. There are both prescription and over-the-counter options for nausea. You can also try some simple home remedies to relieve nausea quickly.

Prescription options include:

• Ondansetron
• Promethazine
• Scopolamine
• Doxylamine/pyridoxine

Over-the-counter options include:

• Dimenhydrinate
• Meclizine
• Pepto-Bismol
• Emetrol

Treatment options for GERD include over-the-counter antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Antacids include calcium carbonate (Tums), magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), and combination magnesium and aluminum products, such as Mylanta.

H2 blockers provide quick relief by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach. These include famotidine and cimetidine. Proton pump inhibitors are used for more severe acid reflux or GERD and reduce the production of stomach acid. Proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole.

Metoclopramide is usually used for the short term, so side effects are tolerable.

Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Restlessness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Unpleasant taste

While rare, metoclopramide can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). This syndrome is life-threatening and includes a fever, fast heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, muscle stiffness, and confusion or coma. Get emergency care immediately if you develop symptoms of NMS.

Abrupt discontinuation of metoclopramide may cause withdrawal symptoms depending on how long you have been taking it. These include dizziness, nervousness, and headaches. Your provider may recommend that you slowly taper off metoclopramide. Do not stop taking metoclopramide without speaking to your provider first.