Metoclopramide

What is Metoclopramide used for?

Metoclopramide is a prokinetic and antiemetic agent that works by blocking dopamine receptors and enhancing GI motility to speed up gastric emptying, relieving nausea, vomiting, heartburn and dyspepsia. It is also commonly used as an antiemetic during chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or after surgery.

How to take Metoclopramide and adjust the dose

Typical adult (20+) oral dose is 10mg up to 3 times daily, taken about 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime; for pre-procedure use, 10-20mg. Important safety note: treatment is generally limited to 5 days and should not exceed 12 weeks, as prolonged or high-dose use carries a risk of tardive dyskinesia (potentially irreversible involuntary muscle movements) — this is an internationally recognized safety limit, not HK-specific; always follow your doctor's prescription.

Metoclopramide side effects

• Common: drowsiness, fatigue, headache, raised blood pressure, dizziness/blurred vision
• More serious: restlessness, irritability, abnormal behaviour, rarely depression or suicidal thoughts
• Serious (long-term/high-dose use): tardive dyskinesia (involuntary facial muscle movements, possibly irreversible)

Who should not take Metoclopramide?

• Higher risk of movement disorders in diabetics and elderly patients (especially women)
• Contraindicated in known GI haemorrhage, mechanical obstruction or perforation
• Use with caution in epilepsy (may increase seizure frequency)
• Use with caution in Parkinson's disease
• Consult a doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding
• Prescription-only medicine in Hong Kong