Metoclopramide injection

What is this medicine?

METOCLOPRAMIDE (met oh kloe PRA mide) is used to treat people with slow emptying of the stomach and intestinal tract. It may be used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment or surgery. This medicine may also be used before certain stomach exams or procedures.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle or for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• abnormal production of milk in females

• breast enlargement in both males and females

• change in the way you walk

• difficulty moving, speaking or swallowing

• drooling, lip smacking, or rapid movements of the tongue

• excessive sweating

• fever

• involuntary or uncontrollable movements of the eyes, head, arms and legs

• irregular heartbeat or palpitations

• muscle twitches and spasms

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance

• depressed mood

• diarrhea

• difficulty sleeping

• headache

• menstrual changes

• restless or nervous

What may interact with this medicine?

• acetaminophen

• cyclosporine

• digoxin

• medicines for blood pressure

• medicines for depression, especially an Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI)

• medicines for diabetes, including insulin

• medicines for hay fever and other allergies

• medicines for Parkinson's disease, like levodopa

• medicines for sleep or for pain

• tetracycline

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• breast cancer

• depression

• diabetes

• heart failure

• high blood pressure

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• Parkinson's disease or a movement disorder

• pheochromocytoma

• seizures

• stomach obstruction, bleeding, or perforation

• an unusual or allergic reaction to metoclopramide, procainamide, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

It may take a few weeks for your stomach condition to get better. However, do not take this medicine for longer than 12 weeks. The longer you take this medicine, and the more you take it, the greater your chances are of developing serious side effects. If you are an elderly patient, a female patient, or you have diabetes, you may be at an increased risk for side effects from this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you start having movements you cannot control such as lip smacking, rapid movements of the tongue, involuntary or uncontrollable movements of the eyes, head, arms and legs, or muscle twitches and spasms.

Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for any sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your doctor.

Do not treat yourself for high fever. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.