Do you sometimes feel a heavy, full feeling in your stomach after eating? Or do you vomit frequently? Perhaps a doctor has prescribed this medicine to stop vomiting after surgery or while undergoing cancer treatment (chemotherapy). Today, let's talk about this injection called Metoclopramide. Let's talk briefly about what it is used for, what precautions to take when using it, and what side effects it may have.
What kind of medicine is Metoclopramide?
Simply put, Metoclopramide is a medicine that helps restore the function of your digestive system.
Think of it like a tube in our gut. The food we eat has to travel down this tube. In some people, the muscles in this gut don't work properly, so food stays in the stomach for too long. In medicine, we call this condition Gastroparesis . This is what causes symptoms like bloating, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn.
Metoclopramide injection works by stimulating the slow-acting muscles in the intestines, helping to move food down the esophagus more quickly. It also blocks chemicals that send signals to the brain to vomit. That's why it's also used to stop vomiting caused by cancer treatment or surgery.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This medicine is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, if you have any of the following medical conditions or problems, you should definitely tell your doctor about it before taking this medicine.
| Tell your doctor if you have these conditions. |
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Sharing this information with your doctor is very important for your safety. So tell everything without hiding anything.
How do you use this medicine?
Metoclopramide is not a medicine you can take home. It is an injection into a vein or into a muscle. It is given by a medical professional in a hospital or clinic.
If you are giving this medicine to young children, special care is required. Your doctor will inform you about this.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is a hospital-based medication, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if you think you may have taken too much of this medicine, go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine
- Duration: This medicine is not recommended for use for longer than 12 weeks . This is because the risk of serious side effects increases with long-term use and high doses. This risk is especially high if you are over 65, a woman, or have diabetes.
- Uncontrollable movements: This is the most important thing. If you experience any uncontrollable movements while taking this medicine, for example, lip smacking, frequent tongue sticking out, involuntary movements of the eyes, head, arms or legs, or muscle twitching, tell your doctor immediately. These may be signs of a serious side effect called `Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS).`
- Mental health: Some people may experience increased depression, suicidal thoughts, restlessness, anger, or agitation while taking this medication. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you. If you are over 65, be careful when getting up or sitting down quickly.
- Alcohol: Avoid taking this medication with alcohol. Alcohol can make drowsiness and dizziness worse.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Metoclopramide can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) | Uncontrollable movements, muscle tightening or twitching, tremors, restlessness. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) | High fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, confusion. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, increased depression, severe anxiety. |
| Other serious symptoms | Increased blood pressure, swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles, milky discharge from the breasts due to increased levels of the hormone Prolactin, and irregular menstrual cycles. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor side effects | Fatigue, headache, insomnia, mental confusion. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Metoclopramide is an injection given in a hospital for vomiting and gastroparesis.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Avoid using this medicine for longer than 12 weeks due to the risk of serious side effects.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience epileptic seizures (EPS) or severe changes in mental status.
- Avoid driving and do not drink alcohol, as this may cause drowsiness.
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