This article describes possible interactions with metoclopramide oral tablet. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Metoclopramide comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s also available as:
- an oral solution that you swallow
- an orally disintegrating tablet that you allow to dissolve on your tongue
- a solution that’s injected into your muscle or vein
Interactions of metoclopramide may vary depending on the form of metoclopramide you’re prescribed.
Boxed warning: Risk of tardive dyskinesia
Metoclopramide has a boxed warning for the risk of tardive dyskinesia. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
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Other drugs and metoclopramide
The drugs in the list below may interact with metoclopramide oral tablet. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with metoclopramide.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with metoclopramide oral tablet include:
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When to avoid metoclopramide
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with metoclopramide oral tablet. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe metoclopramide in these cases. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of contraindications for metoclopramide oral tablet:
- Tardive dyskinesia or similar side effect after taking metoclopramide in the past: If you have had tardive dyskinesia* or a similar dystonic reaction (involuntary muscle contractions) after taking metoclopramide in the past, taking metoclopramide oral tablet may cause symptoms of this side effect again.
- Epilepsy or seizures: If you have epilepsy or experience seizures due to another cause, taking metoclopramide oral tablet may worsen your seizures. It could also cause them to happen more frequently.
- Pheochromocytoma or similar tumor in the nervous system: Certain tumors, such as pheochromocytoma (a tumor affecting the adrenal glands), can cause high blood pressure. This can include dangerously high blood pressure, and taking metoclopramide further increases this risk.
- Certain digestive health conditions that metoclopramide may worsen: Metoclopramide works by stimulating movement in your digestive system. If you have certain digestive conditions, this action may be dangerous as it could worsen your condition. Examples include bleeding in your digestive tract, a perforation (hole) in your digestive tract, and bowel obstruction.
- Past allergic reaction to metoclopramide: If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to metoclopramide oral tablet, taking it again may cause another allergic reaction.
Before you start using metoclopramide, tell your doctor if anything listed above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should use metoclopramide.
*Metoclopramide has a boxed warning about risk for tardive dyskinesia. To learn more, see the “Boxed warning” section at the end of this article.
Alcohol and metoclopramide
Metoclopramide oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol.
Taking metoclopramide oral tablet and drinking alcohol may cause drowsiness and problems with balance, coordination, and decision-making.
If you drink alcohol and have concerns about consuming it while taking metoclopramide oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
Other interactions and metoclopramide
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether metoclopramide oral tablet has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions with metoclopramide.
Metoclopramide and supplements
Before taking metoclopramide oral tablet, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as any vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Metoclopramide interactions with herbs
Metoclopramide oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any herbs. But this doesn’t mean interactions with herbs can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbs while taking metoclopramide oral tablet.
Metoclopramide interactions with vitamins
Metoclopramide oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vitamins. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vitamins can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamins while taking metoclopramide oral tablet.
Metoclopramide and food
Metoclopramide oral tablet isn’t known to interact with foods. But this doesn’t mean interactions with foods can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what foods you should avoid while taking metoclopramide oral tablet.
Metoclopramide and vaccines
Metoclopramide oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking metoclopramide oral tablet.
Metoclopramide and lab tests
Metoclopramide oral tablet isn’t known to interact with lab tests. But this doesn’t mean interactions with lab tests can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any lab tests while taking metoclopramide oral tablet.
Metoclopramide and cannabis or CBD
Reports have shown cannabis (commonly called marijuana) and cannabis products may interact with metoclopramide. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an example of a cannabis product.
Taking metoclopramide and using cannabis or cannabis products may increase your risk of side effects, such as drowsiness and difficulty with balance, coordination, or making decisions.
Before you take metoclopramide oral tablet, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you use cannabis. Doing so may help prevent possible interactions.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Health factors and metoclopramide
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with metoclopramide oral tablet. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking metoclopramide, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether metoclopramide is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with metoclopramide oral tablet:
* Depression has been reported in people taking metoclopramide oral tablet (with and without a history of depression). Symptoms can include suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Preventing metoclopramide interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with metoclopramide oral tablet. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as any vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while taking metoclopramide oral tablet.
Taking metoclopramide exactly as prescribed also can help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about metoclopramide and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Does my risk of interactions depend on my dosage of metoclopramide?
- Do other drugs that could treat my condition have similar interactions?
- If I take metoclopramide and have certain health conditions, will I be monitored more closely during treatment?
- Do I need to take my medications at different times throughout the day to avoid interactions?
Boxed warning for metoclopramide
Metoclopramide has a boxed warning for the risk of tardive dyskinesia. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Metoclopramide can cause tardive dyskinesia as a side effect. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder that causes repetitive, uncontrollable movements. Examples of these movements include smacking or puckering your lips, sticking out your tongue, or swaying your torso from side to side.
TD can occur at any time during treatment with metoclopramide. But the risk increases the longer you take the medication. It’s recommended that you avoid taking metoclopramide oral tablet for more than 12 consecutive weeks due to this risk. The risk for TD is also higher if you take a high dosage of metoclopramide.
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice what you think could be symptoms of TD. Your doctor will likely suggest you stop taking metoclopramide. TD can be irreversible, but stopping treatment as soon as symptoms begin increases the chances your symptoms go away over time. There’s no cure for TD, but there are a few FDA- approved medications, such as valbenazine (Ingrezza), that may help manage your symptoms.
To learn more, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
