Reglan

DRUG TITLE

Reglan (Metoclopramide)

APPLICATION

Reglan is a gastrointestinal stimulant and antinauseant used for the treatment of symptoms of GERD and reduce the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, heartburn, prolonged fullness after meals and a condition called as diabetic gastroparesis.

MODE OF APPLICATION

Use Reglan as directed by your doctor.

• Take Reglan for 30 minutes before meals, unless otherwise indicated by your doctor.
• It may take several days to weeks until you feel the healing effect of the drug. Do not stop taking Reglan without checking with them first.

THE MECHANISM OF ACTION

Reglan is a gastrointestinal stimulant. It works by increasing the movement of the stomach and intestines to help move food and acid is formed rapidly. She also works in certain areas of the brain to reduce nausea.

MISSED DOSE

If you miss a dose of Reglan, you should take it as soon as possible. If this occurred while taking your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

STORAGE

Reglan is stored at a temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees C). Keep away from heat, moisture and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Reglan in the reach of children and away from pets.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

Do not use Reglan, if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Reglan;
• have seizures (eg epilepsy), bleeding, perforation of the stomach or intestine, or adrenal tumor (pheochromocytoma);
• you are taking cabergoline or pergolide;
• you are taking drugs such as phenothiazines (e.g. chlorpromazine), which may cause extrapyramidal reactions (abnormal, involuntary muscle movements of the head, neck, or extremities).

Some medicines may interact with Reglan. Tell your doctor if you have any medical diseases, especially if any of the following applies to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplements;
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods or other substances;
• if you have depression, asthma, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, problems with blood (e.g., porphyria), kidney problems, or low levels of an enzyme called methemoglobin reductase

Some medicines may interact with Reglan. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• cisapride or droperidol because side effects may occur, such as muscle rigidity, increased heart rate and changes in mental abilities;
• Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., hyoscyamine), certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), or narcotic drugs for pain (e.g., codeine) because they may decrease the effectiveness of Reglan
• Acetaminophen, alcohol, levodopa, phenothiazines (e.g. chlorpromazine), sedatives (e.g., zolpidem), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g., fluoxetine), succinylcholine, or tetracycline because the risk of their side effects may be increased while taking Reglan
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine) because the risk of serious side effects (such as high blood pressure, seizures) may be increased
• Cabergoline, digoxin, or pergolide because their effectiveness may be reduced by taking Reglan

SIDE EFFECTS

Consult your doctor if any of these most common side effects become frequent:

• reduction of energy, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, anxiety, fatigue, sleep problems.

Contact your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue, unusual hoarseness); abnormal thinking, confusion, dark urine, decreased coordination, decreased sexual ability, fast, slow or irregular heartbeat, fever, hallucinations, loss of bladder control, mood changes (e.g., depression, anxiety, agitation, nervousness), seizures, severe or persistent dizziness, headache, or trouble sleeping, constant anxiety, including fidgeting, shortness of breath, muscle rigidity, sudden sweating, sudden unusual weight gain, suicidal thoughts or actions, swelling of hands, feet or legs; uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., hands, feet, tongue, jaw, cheeks, twitching , tremor), vision changes, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Reglan should be used only on prescription.