What is metoclopramide and what is it for?

What is metoclopramide?

Metoclopramide is a medicine considered an antiemetic, that is,it acts directly on the areas of the brain that prevents nausea and vomiting. It can be purchased in ampoules, tablets and drops.

Note: The administrationcan be both orally and intravenously, the use ofthis medicine is recommended from 0.1 to 0.15 mg / kg in children and adolescents from 1 to 18 years, while in adults the recommended dose is 10 mg. It can be administered up toa maximum of 3 times a day.

It is important to note that it should not be administered in high doses since extrapyramidal reactions may occur especially in children under 1 year and adolescents. In addition, it should not exceed 0.5 mg / kg of weight in 24 hours or 30 mg, without exceeding 5 days of use.

What is metoclopramide for?

Taking metoclopramide may be beneficial forpatients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, here are some of these:

1. Nausea and vomiting

These are movements made by the digestive system, as a response from the stomach when it wants to eliminate its contents. It is common for it to occur inpatients who have undergone general anesthesia , pregnancy or after eating difficult-to-digest foods. (1)

To highlight: Delayed nausea and Vomiting induced by chemotherapy are frequent symptoms that can be reduced thanks to treatment with metoclopramide.

2. Diabetic gastroparesis and gastroesophageal reflux

When suffering from diabetes, the gastric system can be affected, thanks to the large amount of glucose present in the blood that usually degenerates the stomach tissues,Making digestion slower. For its part, reflux occurs when stomach contents are returned through the esophagus, thus generatingHeartburn and nausea. (two)

3. Emptying of the intestine

Slow gastrointestinal emptying can lead to various serious health conditions. This is because digestionis mainly delayedand then there is adecrease in the process of emptying the stomach contents into the intestines , thus generating nausea, vomiting, gastritis, among other conditions.

Metoclopramide Side Effects

Metoclopramide should be used with cautionAccording to the doses recommended by your doctor, since the recurrent administration of this treatment can trigger the following adverse effects:

• Diarrhea.
• Depression.
• Drowsiness.
• involuntary movements.
• Cardiovascular reactions, tachycardia and decreased blood pressure.

Important: Consult a doctor in case of recurrent presentation of any of the aforementioned side effects.

Contraindications of metoclopramide

Metoclopramide-based treatment has high levels of risk in the following cases:

• Abnormal levels of NADH cytochrome b5 reductase in blood.
• Patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, Parkinson’s disease, tardive dyskinesia, or epilepsy.
• During the lactation period, since it can affect the normal conditions of breast milk. 

You should know: It is recommended that you inform your doctor if you have presented any of the contraindications indicated, before undergoing treatment with metoclopramide.

Key Findings

• Metoclopramide is an antiemetic, that is, it helps to prevent nausea and vomiting mainly.
• It is used as part of treatment for people who are undergoing chemotherapy , are pregnant, or have gastroesophageal reflux.
• It can generate adverse reactions such as: cardiovascular disorders, diarrhea, drowsiness, among others. 
• It should not be administered to the elderly without the consent of a doctor.