Reglan

Brand Names

Reglan

What is Reglan

Reglan (metoclopramide) is a medication that works by increaseing muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract. This accelerates the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines.

Reglan is used for short-term treatment of heartburn due to gastroesophageal reflux in people who have used other medications without relief of symptoms.

Side effects of Reglan

The most common side effects of reglan are:

• drowsiness
• excessive tiredness
• weakness
• headache
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• breast enlargement or discharge
• missed menstrual period
• decreased sexual ability
• frequent urination
• inability to control urination

If you have noticed the following side effects of this medication, you should inform you doctor as soon as possible:

• tightening of the muscles, especially in the jaw or neck
• speech problems
• depression
• thinking about harming or killing yourself
• fever
• muscle stiffness
• confusion
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• sweating
• restlessness
• nervousness or jitteriness
• agitation
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• pacing
• foot tapping
• slow or stiff movements
• blank facial expression
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• difficulty keeping your balance
• rash
• hives
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, mouth, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs
• sudden weight gain
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• high-pitched sounds while breathing
• vision problems

Indication

Reglan is beneficial for the following purposes:

Short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Short-term treatment of diabetic gastroparesis (a condition caused by diabetes that involves the stomach emptying too slowly)

Precautions

It is very important to tell your doctor before taking this medication if you have:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation
• A gastrointestinal blockage
• Pheochromocytoma
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Depression (or a history of depression)
• Parkinson's disease
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes or preservatives

You should also let your doctor know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dosage forms

Reglan dose for GERD

The recommended Reglan dosage for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is 10-15 mg 4 times daily (30 minutes before meals and at bedtime). If symptoms occur only at a specific time of the day (or only in response to certain foods or situations), a single dose of 20 mg before the anticipated symptoms occur may be recommended, instead of taking it around-the-clock.

For people who may be especially sensitive to Reglan, a lower dose (5 mg four times daily) may be recommended.

Reglan is used only for short-term treatment of GERD (up to 12 weeks).

Reglan dose for Diabetic Gastroparesis

The recommend Reglan dose for diabetic gastroparesis treatment is 10 mg 4 times daily (30 minutes before meals and at bedtime), for 2-8 weeks. For severe cases, you may need to start with injectable Reglan for several days before switching to oral Reglan.