Metoclopramide (Reglan) Uses

Metoclopramide is used for a period of 4 to 12 weeks for relief of heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in people who fail to respond to conventional therapy. 

Metoclopramide is also used to treat acute and recurrent slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis ) in diabetic patients (diabetic gastric stasis), which may cause heartburn and stomach fullness or discomfort after meals.

Metoclopramide (injection form) is also helpful to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by surgery or chemotherapy or help in certain medical procedures that involve the stomach or intestines. 

There may be other uses of metoclopramide. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you further information.

Metoclopramide (Reglan) Mechanism of Action

The primary action of metoclopramide (Reglan) is as a dopamine antagonist (blocks dopamine action). Your brain produces a neurotransmitter called dopamine that has an impact on various physiological systems, including the digestive system and central nervous system (CNS).

Dopamine causes a slowing down of muscle movements in your gut, causing food in your stomach to stay for a longer period of time. This can result in heartburn, nausea and vomiting. Metoclopramide (Reglan) increases the contraction of your stomach muscles by inhibiting dopamine. As a result, food moves through your stomach and intestines more quickly and provides relief to these stomach-related symptoms.

Metoclopramide (Reglan) also increases the tightness of a muscle in your gut to prevent the backflow of stomach acid into your throat. This helps to prevent heartburn.

Metoclopramide (Reglan) Doses

Metoclopramide is available as a 5 mg, 0.5 mg, and 10 mg tablet and as an orally disintegrating tablet. It is also available as a 5 mg/5mL oral solution and 5mg/mL injectable solution. 

The usual dosage of metoclopramide is as follows:

Delayed stomach-emptying caused by diabetes: The usual dose is 10 mg orally 4 times daily for 2 to 8 weeks. The medicine should be taken half an hour before meals and at bedtime. The maximum dosage is 40 mg/day. 

Severe acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease):
For continuous symptoms: The usual dosage is 10 to 15 mg taken orally 4 times per day for a period of 4 to 12 weeks if you have intermittent symptoms throughout the day. The medicine should be taken half an hour before meals and at bedtime. The maximum dosage is 60 mg/day.

For occasional symptoms: Take up to 20 mg in a single dose before your symptoms start if you only have symptoms at certain times of the day.

If you are over 65 years of age, have liver disease or renal impairment, or are taking medications that interact with metoclopramide, you may need to consult your physician on the most suitable dosage for you.