Metoclopramide

Medically reviewed by Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCP on May 30, 2023
Written by Helen Marshall, BPharm, MRPharmS

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved metoclopramide to:

• relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when other treatments haven’t worked
• treat diabetic gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying in people with diabetes)
• prevent nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy or surgery
• help with certain procedures or examinations involving the stomach and intestines

These approved uses differ based on the form of metoclopramide your doctor prescribes.

This article describes metoclopramide’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of metoclopramide.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of metoclopramide. To find out more about metoclopramide ODT, see this article.

Boxed warning: Risk of tardive dyskinesia

Metoclopramide has a boxed warning about the risk of tardive dyskinesia. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for metoclopramide” section below.

Metoclopramide may cause mild or serious side effects (also known as adverse effects). More common mild side effects of metoclopramide and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about metoclopramide’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for metoclopramide.

* To view metoclopramide’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of metoclopramide are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of metoclopramide you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about metoclopramide’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for metoclopramide.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Mild side effects of metoclopramide oral tablets, oral solution, and metoclopramide liquid solution for injection include:

• drowsiness
• low energy
• restlessness
• diarrhea
• mild allergic reaction†

* To view metoclopramide’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for metoclopramide” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of metoclopramide are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about metoclopramide’s serious side effects, see the prescribing information* for metoclopramide.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Metoclopramide’s serious side effects include:

• neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a life threatening nerve condition that causes fever, muscle stiffness, and confusion)
• symptoms of parkinsonism, such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movements
• depression and suicidal thoughts
• increased levels of the hormone prolactin
• boxed warning: risk of tardive dyskinesia†
• severe allergic reaction†

* To view metoclopramide’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for metoclopramide” section below.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

• Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
• Listen to the person without judgment.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
• Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
• Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as metoclopramide for certain conditions. Approved uses for metoclopramide are described below. These uses differ based on the form of metoclopramide prescribed.

Use for prevention of nausea and vomiting

Doctors may prescribe metoclopramide liquid solution for injection to help prevent nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy or surgery. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

With some types of cancer chemotherapy, you may have severe nausea and vomiting. These can be hard to treat once they’ve started. To help prevent nausea and vomiting, you may receive metoclopramide by intravenous (IV) infusion just before and during your chemotherapy session. (An IV infusion is an injection into a vein given over a period of time.)

Some people have nausea and vomiting after surgery. This may be due to medications used during the surgery, such as anesthetics or pain relievers. To help prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery, you may receive an injection of metoclopramide near the end of your surgery.

Use for GERD

Doctors may prescribe metoclopramide oral tablets, oral solution, or orally disintegrating tablets for treating symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The drug is used for this purpose in adults when other medications haven’t worked. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

With GERD, stomach acid flows from your stomach up into your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). This causes a burning pain in your chest known as heartburn. It can also damage the lining of your esophagus, causing sores to develop there.

Metoclopramide helps stop stomach acid from flowing into your esophagus. This reduces heartburn and helps esophageal sores to heal.

Use for diabetic gastroparesis

Doctors may prescribe metoclopramide oral tablets, oral solution, orally disintegrating tablets, or liquid solution for injection to treat diabetic gastroparesis. The drug is used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

Diabetic gastroparesis is slow stomach emptying that occurs in some people with diabetes. With this condition, food stays in your stomach for too long after you eat. This can make you feel uncomfortably full for a long time. You may also have nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and loss of appetite.

Metoclopramide stimulates the muscles that move food out of your stomach into your intestine. This helps relieve your symptoms. If your symptoms are severe, you may first receive metoclopramide by injection. This is usually followed by oral treatment.

Use for certain procedures or examinations

Doctors may prescribe metoclopramide liquid solution for injection to help with certain procedures or examinations involving your stomach or intestines. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

Specifically, metoclopramide injection may be given during a procedure called small bowel intubation. With this procedure, a tube is passed through your nose or mouth into your stomach and then the small intestine. Metoclopramide helps the tube pass through your stomach. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children.

Metoclopramide injection may also be given before X-ray examinations of your stomach or small intestine. It may be used to help empty your stomach contents or to help a substance called barium move through your intestine. This lets doctors see damaged or diseased areas more clearly on the X-ray. It’s used for this purpose in adults.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about metoclopramide.

What is the brand name of metoclopramide?

The brand name for metoclopramide oral tablet is Reglan. Brand-name versions of other forms of metoclopramide are not currently available.

Another brand-name form of metoclopramide is called Gimoti, which is a nasal spray. This form isn’t available as a generic drug.

To find out more about Reglan or Gimoti, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Is metoclopramide used for dogs?

Yes, metoclopramide is sometimes prescribed by veterinarians for use in dogs. For example, it may be prescribed for nausea, vomiting, or heartburn in dogs. However, these are off-label uses of metoclopramide. With off-label use, a drug is prescribed for a use that has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

To learn more about metoclopramide’s use in dogs, talk with your pet’s veterinarian.

Can metoclopramide be used for migraine episodes, hiccups, or lactation?

Yes, doctors sometimes prescribe metoclopramide for nausea and vomiting related to migraine. They may also prescribe it for hiccups that won’t stop. And they may prescribe it to stimulate lactation (production of breast milk). These are all off-label uses for metoclopramide.

For more information about these off-label uses for metoclopramide, talk with your doctor.

Is metoclopramide similar to omeprazole, prochlorperazine, or domperidone?

No, not really. Omeprazole (Prilosec) and prochlorperazine (Procomp, Compro) are prescribed for some of the same uses as metoclopramide. But these drugs work in a different way than metoclopramide. (See the following FAQ to learn how metoclopramide works.)

Like metoclopramide, prochlorperazine is used for severe nausea and vomiting. But it’s not prescribed for any other of metoclopramide’s uses. Prochlorperazine works in the brain and is sometimes also used for anxiety and schizophrenia.

Like metoclopramide, omeprazole is prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). But it’s not prescribed for any of metoclopramide’s other uses. Omeprazole works by reducing stomach acid production. It’s also used for other conditions involving excess stomach acid, such as stomach ulcers.

Domperidone is prescribed for nausea and vomiting. This medication is similar to metoclopramide. It works in the same way, but it isn’t prescribed for any of metoclopramide’s other uses. Domperidone isn’t available in the United States.

To learn more about how metoclopramide compares with other treatments for your condition, talk with your doctor.

How does metoclopramide work? And how long does it take to start working?

Metoclopramide works by increasing the muscle contractions that move food out of your stomach and through your small intestine. It also relaxes the muscle at the exit of your stomach and tightens the muscle at the entry to your stomach.

These actions empty your stomach and move food more quickly through your small intestine. This helps reduce nausea and vomiting. This also helps stop stomach acid from flowing up into your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach), which can relieve heartburn.

Metoclopramide also blocks nerve messages in the parts of your brain that usually cause nausea and vomiting.

Metoclopramide starts working 1–3 minutes after injection into a vein and 10–15 minutes after injection into a muscle. It starts working 30–60 minutes after taking it by mouth. Its effects last for about 1–2 hours.

To find out more about how metoclopramide works, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The dosage of metoclopramide your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should take or receive.

Taking or receiving metoclopramide

Metoclopramide oral tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and oral solution are taken by mouth, with or without food. They’re usually taken 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime.

Metoclopramide liquid solution for injection may be given by injection into a muscle or a vein. It may also be given by intravenous (IV) infusion. An IV infusion is an injection into a vein given over a period of time.

Your doctor will talk with you about how to take metoclopramide. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.

If you’re prescribed metoclopramide injection, your doctor will explain how metoclopramide will be given to you and where you’ll receive it. They’ll also tell you how much you’ll receive and how often.

Overdose of metoclopramide

You should not take more metoclopramide than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much metoclopramide, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Below, you’ll find information about metoclopramide’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of metoclopramide

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol* or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take metoclopramide, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription drugs
• over-the-counter medications
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for metoclopramide” section below.

* If you drink alcohol, it’s recommended that you do not drink it while taking metoclopramide. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about avoiding alcohol while taking metoclopramide.

Warnings for metoclopramide

Some people should not take metoclopramide, and others should take it cautiously.

Boxed warning: Risk of tardive dyskinesia

Metoclopramide has a boxed warning about the risk of tardive dyskinesia. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

With tardive dyskinesia, you have abnormal muscle movements that you can’t control. This side effect isn’t treatable and may not get better. It’s not known how often tardive dyskinesia occurs with metoclopramide. The risk of this side effect increases with higher doses and the longer you take the medication. As a result, metoclopramide typically should not be used for longer than 12 weeks.

Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia may include uncontrollable movements of your face, lips, tongue, or jaw. These may include lip smacking or puckering, sticking your tongue out, grimacing, or blinking repeatedly. Other symptoms may include uncontrollable movements of your body, arms, or legs. These may include twitching, swaying, or thrusting movements.

If you experience uncontrollable movements, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend stopping metoclopramide treatment.

To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other warnings

Metoclopramide could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether metoclopramide is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of metoclopramide you take.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for metoclopramide, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Metoclopramide can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to metoclopramide or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe metoclopramide. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to metoclopramide, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and metoclopramide

Information about metoclopramide and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Metoclopramide and pregnancy

In general, metoclopramide is considered safe to take during pregnancy. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.

Metoclopramide and breastfeeding

It’s thought that metoclopramide may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed by someone taking the drug. However, this is not known for sure. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

You may be able to save money on your prescription for metoclopramide by using our Optum Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for metoclopramide, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

This article describes metoclopramide’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about metoclopramide or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• What form and dose of metoclopramide will I need?
• Will my condition come back after I stop taking metoclopramide?
• Does stopping metoclopramide cause withdrawal symptoms?
• Are there other treatment options for my condition?

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Metoclopramide — metoclopramide injection, solution. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/373ba08b-33ad-49fc-28a7-928e89a65314/spl-doc
• Metoclopramide — metoclopramide tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/4ab8ddab-8226-4b5a-8774-308ed49d6bc4/spl-doc
• Metoclopramide hydrochloride — metoclopramide hydrochloride solution. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/dc364325-dd39-4259-a348-3760eccdca4b/spl-doc
• Metoclopramide hydrochloride — metoclopramide hydrochloride tablet, orally disintegrating. (2020). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/7cd1dc35-2fb2-4f1d-8769-24c3c3aa34fa/spl-doc

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.