Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved metoclopramide oral tablet to treat the following conditions in adults:
This article describes possible side effects of metoclopramide oral tablet. You can explore this overview article to learn more about metoclopramide, including the drug’s uses, ways to save on cost, and more.
Metoclopramide oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Reglan. Metoclopramide also comes in other forms, including other forms you swallow, injectable form, and nasal spray, but these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
Boxed warning: Risk of tardive dyskinesia
Metoclopramide oral tablet has a boxed warning for the risk of tardive dyskinesia (TD). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
For details, see the “Side effects of metoclopramide in detail” section below.
More common side effects of metoclopramide
Metoclopramide oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of metoclopramide oral tablet include:
Mild side effects of metoclopramide
Metoclopramide may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of metoclopramide oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
Metoclopramide oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of metoclopramide in detail” section below.
Serious side effects of metoclopramide
Metoclopramide may rarely cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from metoclopramide oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with metoclopramide.
Serious side effects of metoclopramide oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of metoclopramide in detail” section below.
† Metoclopramide oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of metoclopramide in detail” section below.
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Common questions about side effects of metoclopramide
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of metoclopramide oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can metoclopramide 10 mg cause more side effects than metoclopramide 5 mg?
Yes, it’s possible. Several side effects of metoclopramide oral tablet are more likely with higher dosages, such as 10 milligrams (mg) instead of 5 mg. They may also be more likely if you take the drug for long periods of time.
For example, metoclopramide oral tablet has a boxed warning for the risk of TD*. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. This risk of TD goes up with higher dosages.
Other side effects may also be more likely with higher dosages and longer use of metoclopramide oral tablet. These include common side effects, such as restlessness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Movement problems* are also more likely at higher dosages.
If you have concerns about these side effects, talk with your doctor before starting metoclopramide. Your doctor can discuss what dosage is right for you.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of metoclopramide in detail” section below.
Is metoclopramide safe for older adults?
It depends. Older adults (people ages 65 years and older) may be more sensitive to the effects of metoclopramide, including side effects. This is partly because older adults are more likely to have kidney problems. This can reduce how effectively metoclopramide is cleared from your body.
The prescribing information also notes that older adults are at higher risk of developing TD*, especially older females.†
Due to these risks, your doctor will likely prescribe a lower dosage of metoclopramide oral tablet when starting it if you’re age 65 or older. They may increase the dose slowly based on how you respond and any side effects you have.
Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about whether metoclopramide is safe for you. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of using metoclopramide, or whether another drug is an option to treat your condition.
* Metoclopramide oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of metoclopramide in detail” section below.
† Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Does metoclopramide cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases metoclopramide oral tablet may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time, or they may last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of possible long-term side effects reported with metoclopramide oral tablet include:
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of metoclopramide may last.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of metoclopramide in detail” section below.
† Metoclopramide oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of metoclopramide in detail” section below.
Side effects of metoclopramide in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of metoclopramide oral tablet.
Risk of tardive dyskinesia (TD)
The prescribing information for metoclopramide oral tablet has a boxed warning for the risk of TD. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. This side effect is uncommon but may be serious. It’s often permanent, even after stopping the drug.
With TD, you have atypical muscle movements. You may not be able to control the movements of your face, tongue, and other parts of your body. The movements can be repetitive. Symptoms may include:
- sticking out your tongue
- lip smacking or puckering
- chewing or puffing out your cheeks
- grimacing
- blinking and eye movements
- arm or leg shaking
- swaying or toe tapping
Certain factors can increase the risk of TD with metoclopramide oral tablet. These include:
- higher dosages
- taking the drug for long periods of time
- being age 65 years or older, especially if you are female*
- diabetes
- kidney problems
- taking certain other medications, such as antipsychotics
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Ways to manage
Due to this risk, your doctor likely won’t prescribe metoclopramide oral tablet for longer than 12 weeks. They’ll also prescribe the lowest possible effective dose.
If you develop symptoms of TD, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely adjust your dosage of metoclopramide oral tablet or discuss other treatment options with you.
Movement problems
In studies, several types of movement problems occurred in people taking metoclopramide oral tablet. These side effects, also called extrapyramidal symptoms, may be serious.
Symptoms may include:
Sometimes, these symptoms may ease with time, but they can also be permanent.
Certain factors can increase the risk of movement problems with metoclopramide oral tablet. These include:
- higher dosages
- taking the drug for long periods of time
- your age (depending on the symptom)
- diabetes
- kidney problems
- Parkinson’s disease
- taking certain medications, such as antipsychotics
TD is another example of an extrapyramidal symptom. For more details, see the “Risk of tardive dyskinesia” section above.
Ways to manage
If you develop movement problems while taking metoclopramide oral tablet, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely adjust your dosage or discuss other treatment options with you.
Depression
Depression was reported in studies of people taking metoclopramide oral tablet. This side effect may be serious.
Symptoms may include:
- feeling sad or anxious
- crying often
- difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- fatigue (low energy)
- losing interest in things you once enjoyed
- suicidal thoughts or actions
Taking medications that depress the central nervous system can increase the risk of depression with metoclopramide oral tablet. Examples of these drugs include:
Ways to manage
If you develop symptoms of depression while taking metoclopramide oral tablet, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely adjust your dosage or discuss other treatment options with you.
Get medical help immediately if you feel very depressed and have thoughts about hurting yourself or ending your life. If you need urgent help, call 911 or your local emergency number.
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.
For some people, metoclopramide oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect was rare in the drug’s studies.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to metoclopramide oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for metoclopramide
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking metoclopramide oral tablet.
Boxed warning: Risk of tardive dyskinesia
Metoclopramide has a boxed warning for the risk of TD. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
For details, see the “Side effects of metoclopramide in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take metoclopramide oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether metoclopramide oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking metoclopramide oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of metoclopramide in detail” section above.
† Metoclopramide oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of metoclopramide in detail” section above.
Metoclopramide and pregnancy
It’s unclear whether metoclopramide oral tablet should be taken during pregnancy.
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with metoclopramide.
Metoclopramide and breastfeeding
Metoclopramide oral tablet should usually not be taken while breastfeeding. Metoclopramide can pass into breast milk. In studies, children who were breastfed had certain side effects, such as stomach upset and gas. There are also concerns that it may cause other symptoms in the newborn, such as muscle spasms.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with metoclopramide.
Metoclopramide oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol. Common side effects of metoclopramide oral tablet are drowsiness and fatigue. These and other side effects may be worse if you drink alcohol.
The prescribing information for metoclopramide oral tablet says you should not drink alcohol while taking this drug. You also should not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how metoclopramide oral tablet affects you.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with metoclopramide oral tablet.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of metoclopramide oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will I have more side effects with a higher dosage of metoclopramide?
- How can I lower my risk of side effects with metoclopramide?
- Can the other medications I take increase the risk of side effects with metoclopramide?
- Do side effects of metoclopramide usually go away with time, or can they last long term?
- Are there other medications that could treat my condition that may have fewer side effects?
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.
