Do you get heartburn when you eat? Do you always feel full? Do you have discomfort such as food not being digested properly and coming up into your throat? Metoclopramide is a medicine that doctors often prescribe when other medicines do not help with such problems. This medicine also comes in the form of a disintegrating tablet. So today, let's learn everything about this important medicine in a simple way, just like talking to a friend.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine is mainly used to treat two conditions.
1. Reflux Disease: This is a condition where food comes up into our throat and causes heartburn.
2. Gastroparesis: This is when the stomach's function is too slow. This means that food stays in the stomach for too long. This causes things like a feeling of fullness and nausea.
Metoclopramide works by giving the muscles in your digestive system a little push to "work a little faster." This allows the food in your stomach to move more quickly into your intestines. This can greatly reduce symptoms like bloating, nausea, and heartburn.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Okay, this part is very important. Before you start using this medicine, you need to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Because this medicine is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions, or it should be used with great caution.
If you have any of the conditions in the table below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Conditions to report to your doctor | |
|---|---|
| Existing medical conditions |
|
| Other points | |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Since this is a tablet that dissolves in the mouth, the method of use is a little different. So remember these steps carefully.
- Take this pill at least 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime.
- Keep the pill in the sealed blister pack until you are ready to take it.
- Open the pack with well-dry hands and slowly remove the tablet.
- Most importantly: If the tablet breaks or crumbles when you take it out, throw it away and get a new one. Do not use broken tablets.
- Hold the tablet in your mouth and let it dissolve. Swallow it after it dissolves. You do not need water to take this tablet.
- Do not take more than the doctor tells you to.
Remember, this medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
What do you do if you miss a meal?
Please don't panic. Don't take two pills at once to make up for a missed dose. That can be dangerous. Forget about the missed dose and take one pill at the next scheduled time.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What are the things to be careful about when taking medicine?
There are a few things we need to be careful about when using this medication, especially if it is taken for a long time.
- Uncontrollable movements: This is the most important thing. Some people, especially when using this medicine for more than 12 weeks , may experience unusual symptoms such as lip smacking, tongue sticking out, and uncontrolled movements of the eyes, head, or limbs. This is called (Extrapyramidal symptoms - EPS). Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of these. People over 65, women, and people with diabetes are at higher risk.
- Mood changes: If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior, such as feeling anxious, sad, or frustrated with life, talk to your doctor immediately.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: Some people may feel drowsy or dizzy after taking this medication. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Drinking alcohol can make this drowsiness worse.
- Be careful when getting up: Especially if you are over 65, don't get up suddenly from a sitting position. Doing so can cause dizziness and you may fall.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Metoclopramide can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | Side effects that are usually not serious |
|---|---|
| (If these persist or bother you, tell your doctor.) |
Take-Home Message
- Metoclopramide is a medication mainly used to treat conditions that cause food to come back up into the esophagus (reflux) and delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis).
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Swallow the orodispersible tablet 30 minutes before eating, holding it on your tongue without water, letting it dissolve, and then swallow.
- If you experience unusual, uncontrollable movements or changes in mental status, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid using this medicine for longer than 12 weeks without consulting a doctor.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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