Do you feel full after eating, and the contents of your stomach do not go down? Do you feel nauseous or have a burning sensation in your chest? This may be due to the slow functioning of your stomach. Today, we are going to talk about a nasal spray that doctors recommend for this kind of situation.
What is this Metoclopramide nasal spray?
Simply put,
Metoclopramide is a medicine. It is used when the food in your stomach (stomach) is slow to move into your intestines, which is medically known as
gastroparesis . Think of it like a bag that holds food for a while, helps it digest, and then pushes it into your intestines. This is done by contracting the muscles in the stomach. But in gastroparesis, the function of these muscles is weakened. Then the food is stuck in the stomach for a long time. This is where Metoclopramide comes to the rescue. This medicine stimulates the weakened muscles in the stomach, makes them work properly, and empties the food in the stomach faster. In this way, the fullness,
nausea , and
heartburn that you feel when the stomach is empty are reduced.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Okay, before using this medicine,
it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Because this medicine is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions. Especially if you have any of the conditions below,
you should definitely tell them about it.
| Illness or other factors | Why should we be aware of it? |
|---|
| Having a blockage, bleeding, or perforation in the stomach or intestines | In such a situation, increasing stomach motility can be dangerous. |
| Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders | Because this medication can affect brain function, these symptoms may worsen. |
| Seizures | There is an increased risk of epilepsy. |
| High blood pressure | There is a possibility of further increase in blood pressure. |
| Depression or other mental illnesses | This medication can cause mood swings and may worsen depression. |
| Diabetes | Changes in the speed at which food moves through the stomach can affect blood sugar control. |
| Liver or Kidney disease | The dosage of the medication may need to be adjusted, as it may affect the process of removing the medication from the body. |
| Breast cancer | Some types of breast cancer are hormone-dependent, and this medicine may affect hormone levels. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | It is essential to discuss the possible effects on the child with the doctor. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | It is important to let us know if you are allergic to Metoclopramide or similar medications. |
How do you use this medicine correctly?
It is very important to know exactly how to use this.
- For nasal use only: This is a spray for nasal use only. Never take it by mouth.
- Follow medical advice:Use only as prescribed by your doctor, for the prescribed amount of time. Do not change the dosage at will.
- Use it correctly: If you have any questions about how to use this spray correctly, ask your doctor for clarification.
- If you miss a dose: Don't worry. Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
- Overdose: If you take more than you should, or if someone accidentally drinks this, it is an emergency . Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to someone else just because they have the same symptoms as you.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
It is important to pay close attention to your body while using this medication.
Be mindful of the deadline.
It is not usually recommended to use this medicine for longer than 8 weeks . This is because the longer you use this medicine and the higher the dose, the greater the risk of serious side effects. This risk is especially high if you are over 65 years old, a woman, or have diabetes.
Uncontrollable body movements
This is one of the most serious side effects of this medication. Medically, this condition is called
Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) . If these start, you may not be able to control them.
- Lip smacking
- Frequent sticking out or rapid movement of the tongue
- Uncontrolled shaking of eyes, head, arms, and legs
- Muscle twitching or tightness
If you experience any of these symptoms, don't waste time and call your doctor immediately.
Take care of your mental health.
Some people may experience changes in their mental state when using this medication. It is a good idea to inform your family about this.
- If you feel like your depression is getting worse
- If you have suicidal thoughts
- If you feel anxious or restless,
- If you feel very angry or irritable
- If you feel sleepy
If these symptoms occur, especially when you first start taking the medication or after changing the dosage, tell your doctor immediately.
Drowsiness and alcohol
This medicine may cause
drowsiness and dizziness . Therefore, do not use this medicine while doing activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
Drinking alcohol can increase this drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Metoclopramide can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
Serious side effects that should be reported to a doctor immediately Common side effects that should be reported to a doctor if they persist or are bothersome
| Side effect | Description |
|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Uncontrollable body movements (EPS) | Trembling of limbs, muscle stiffness, difficulty walking, restlessness, uncontrolled movements. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome | High fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion. |
| Mental changes | Increased depression, suicidal thoughts. |
| Elevated prolactin hormone | Breast development in men, nipple discharge, and irregular menstrual cycles in women. |
| Other features | Increased blood pressure, swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles. |
| Headache | A common headache. |
| Fatigue | Feeling tired in the body. |
| Change in taste | Feeling a change in the taste of the mouth. |
This list is not all possible side effects. If you experience any other, unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them.
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep it in a safe place out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat and extreme cold.
- Very important: After 4 weeks of opening the bottle, discard any medicine left in it. Do not continue to use it.
Take-Home Message
- Metoclopramide nasal spray is a medicine used to treat a condition called gastroparesis , which is a slow-acting stomach acid. It is for nasal use only, not by mouth.
- Never use this medicine for longer than 8 weeks .
- If you experience uncontrollable body movements (lip twitching, tongue sticking out, trembling of the limbs) , inform your doctor immediately .
- Give your doctor a complete description of all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication. Be careful when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving, as it may cause drowsiness.
- If an overdose is accidentally used, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital or the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) at the nearest hospital.
Metoclopramide, Metoclopramide Nasal Spray, Gimoti, Gastroparesis, slow stomach emptying, nausea, heartburn, side effects, Sri Lanka, Sinhala, Gastroparesis, Nausea, Chest pain
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