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Home > Drug Category > Disorders of the Digestive Tract (IBS,Crohns Disease,Stomach) > Reglan and Equivalent

Reglan Information

Reglan (metoclopramide hydrochloride) is used to treat symptoms of slowed stomach emptying in people with gastritis and diabetes, and in those recovering from certain types of gastric tests or surgery. Reglan, when used before surgery, can help reduce vomiting after surgical procedures. Reglan helps speed the movement of food through the stomach and intestines, by stimulating the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Reglan works by increasing muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract which speeds up the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines and help with nausea. Metoclopramide is also used as a short-term treatment (4 to 12 weeks) for ongoing heartburn (GERD) when the usual medicines do not work well enough. It is used mostly for heartburn that occurs after a meal or during the daytime. This drug is not recommended for use in children due to an increased risk of serious side effects (such as muscle spasms or uncontrolled muscle movements). Generic equivalent of Reglan is available as metoclopramide tablets of dosage 5 mg.

Reglan Side Effects

The most common side effect of Reglan may include drowsiness; confusion; fatigue; insomnia; headache; dizziness; bowel disturbances. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Changes in menstruation in women;
• Decreased sexual ability;
• Facial Spasms or movements;
• Feeling depressed or thoughts about hurting or killing yourself;
• High temperature, fast or irregular heartbeat;
• Hypersensitivity reaction with symptoms such as rash, hives, breathing difficulty, swelling of the mouth, throat and extremities;
• Involuntary or unusual movements;
• Muscle movements you cannot stop or control;
• Muscle movements that are new or unusual;
• Restlessness;
• Tremors;
• Unusual eye movements.

Reglan Precautions

Do not use Reglan if you are allergic to metoclopramide or to any other ingredients in this medication or if you are experiencing bleeding (hemorrhage), a blockage (obstruction), or a tear (perforation) in your stomach or intestines. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have a history of bleeding, a blockage in your stomach or intestines; have a history of seizures; are pregnant; are breastfeeding; have ever been diagnosed with breast cancer; have kidney problems; have diabetes; have an adrenal gland tumour. Contact your doctor immediately if while taking metoclopramide, you develop symptoms such as involuntary movement of lips, eyes, tongue, face, head and limbs; develop Parkinson’s symptoms such as tremor, restlessness, muscle rigidity, facial spasms, involuntary movements, and difficulty completing daily tasks; develop symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome with symptoms such as high temperature, muscle rigidity, irregular or fast heartbeat; you feel depressed or have thoughts about hurting or killing yourself. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Reglan and other medications. Metoclopramide must not be used in children under 1 year of age. Metoclopramide should not be used in children over 1 year of age unless the doctor believes the benefit outweighs the risk. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have high or low blood sugar. Do not drink alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of metoclopramide. Do not drive, work with machines, or do dangerous tasks as Reglan may cause sleepiness.

Do I need a prescription to order Reglan?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Reglan.