Use these quick links to navigate the most important topics about Reglan (metoclopramide).
Reglan (metoclopramide) is primarily used to enhance gastrointestinal motility and control nausea and vomiting. Clinically, it is often prescribed for diabetic gastroparesis to help the stomach empty more effectively, which can reduce fullness, bloating, and vomiting and may improve nutritional intake. It is also used for short-term management of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients who have not responded adequately to acid-suppressing therapy alone. By increasing lower esophageal sphincter tone and accelerating gastric emptying, it can ease reflux-related discomfort.
Beyond these core indications, metoclopramide is used as an antiemetic in select settings, including chemotherapy-induced or postoperative nausea and vomiting, typically under close supervision and often via injectable routes. In emergency care, it may be used as part of migraine treatment protocols to address nausea and potentially enhance the absorption of oral analgesics. Some off-label uses include facilitating small-bowel intubation or certain radiographic studies by promoting GI transit, though these are procedure-specific decisions guided by clinicians.
Because safety concerns rise with longer exposure, most uses call for the lowest effective dose and shortest possible duration. Individuals should be carefully selected and monitored, especially if they have risk factors for neurologic side effects or are taking other medications that affect dopamine or serotonin pathways.
Metoclopramide works through several receptor actions. It blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the brain, helping reduce signals that trigger nausea and vomiting. In the GI tract, dopamine blockade also enhances cholinergic activity, increasing gastric motility, improving coordination of stomach contractions, and strengthening lower esophageal sphincter tone. The result is faster gastric emptying and less reflux.
At certain doses, metoclopramide also interacts with serotonin receptors (5-HT3 antagonism and 5-HT4 agonism), which may further support its prokinetic and antiemetic effects. These combined actions explain why it can be helpful for gastroparesis, GERD symptoms, and select nausea/vomiting scenarios—while also clarifying why dopamine-related side effects, including extrapyramidal symptoms, can occur in susceptible individuals.
Important: The following is general information and not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the medication guide. Because metoclopramide carries a boxed warning for tardive dyskinesia, treatment duration is usually limited. Many adults use 10 mg by mouth 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime (up to four times daily) for gastroparesis or short-term GERD symptom relief, often for 2 to 8 weeks. Some individuals may require dose adjustments based on response and tolerability.
For nausea and vomiting in procedural or chemotherapy settings, dosing and route may differ (e.g., intravenous dosing under supervision). Pediatric use is limited and not routinely recommended due to increased risk of movement disorders; if considered, it requires specialist guidance. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to side effects and typically start at lower doses.
Administration tips: Take oral doses 30 minutes before meals and, if applicable, at bedtime. Avoid alcohol and activities that require full alertness until you know how the medicine affects you. Do not exceed the prescribed frequency or duration; using metoclopramide longer than 12 weeks is generally discouraged because of the risk of tardive dyskinesia. For kidney impairment (reduced creatinine clearance), dose reductions are commonly needed; individuals with significant hepatic impairment may also require adjustments. If you use the oral solution, measure with a proper dosing device rather than a household spoon.
If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your clinician promptly. Never increase the dose on your own, and inform your care team about all other medicines, supplements, or over-the-counter products you take to minimize interaction risks.
Boxed warning: Metoclopramide can cause tardive dyskinesia—often irreversible, involuntary movements that can involve the face, tongue, or limbs. The risk rises with longer duration and higher cumulative doses and may be higher in older adults, especially women. Because of this, reserve use for situations where benefits clearly outweigh risks, use the lowest effective dose, and avoid therapy beyond 12 weeks whenever possible.
Neurologic and psychiatric effects: Metoclopramide can cause extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), including acute dystonia (painful muscle spasms), akathisia (restlessness, inability to sit still), parkinsonism, and, rarely, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a medical emergency characterized by rigidity, fever, altered mental status, and autonomic instability). It may also worsen depression or cause agitation, anxiety, or insomnia in some individuals. Use caution in people with a history of depression, movement disorders, or seizure disorders, and seek immediate care for severe restlessness, rigidity, confusion, or fever.
Medical conditions and populations: Avoid use in suspected GI obstruction, perforation, or bleeding. Use caution in Parkinson’s disease (symptoms may worsen), pheochromocytoma or uncontrolled hypertension (risk of hypertensive crisis), and in patients with renal or hepatic impairment (dose adjustments often required). Metoclopramide increases prolactin; this can rarely lead to galactorrhea or gynecomastia. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, risks and benefits must be weighed carefully; the drug can cross the placenta and is excreted in breast milk. Pediatric use should be limited and specialist-guided.
Do not use Reglan if you have a history of tardive dyskinesia or a prior metoclopramide-induced dystonic reaction, gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, mechanical GI obstruction, pheochromocytoma, epilepsy (risk of increased seizure frequency), or hypersensitivity to metoclopramide or formulation components. Use is generally inappropriate with ongoing stimulant or catecholamine-releasing conditions that could precipitate a hypertensive crisis. Always review your full medical history with your clinician before starting therapy.
Common side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, restlessness, headache, nausea/diarrhea, and insomnia. Some people describe a sense of inner agitation (akathisia) that can be very uncomfortable. These effects may appear soon after starting or after dose increases and often improve with dose reductions or discontinuation under medical guidance.
Serious neurologic reactions can include acute dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions causing twisting or abnormal postures), parkinsonism (tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia), and tardive dyskinesia (involuntary, repetitive movements, often of the face or tongue). The latter can be irreversible; risk grows with longer use. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is rare but life-threatening; symptoms include high fever, severe muscle rigidity, confusion, and autonomic instability—seek emergency care immediately.
Other potential effects: elevated prolactin (which can cause breast changes or milk production), mood changes (depression, anxiety), blood pressure fluctuations, and, infrequently, allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing). If you experience any unusual movements, severe restlessness, depression or suicidal thoughts, or signs of an allergic reaction, contact a clinician promptly or call emergency services.
Report side effects to your prescriber and, if in the U.S., you can also report serious adverse events to FDA MedWatch. Early recognition and dose adjustment or discontinuation can help prevent complications.
Metoclopramide’s dopamine antagonism and serotonergic activity create notable interaction risks. It can counteract levodopa and some dopamine agonists used in Parkinson’s disease, reducing their effectiveness. Combining metoclopramide with antipsychotics or other dopamine antagonists may increase the likelihood of extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia. Sedatives, opioids, and alcohol can potentiate drowsiness and impair coordination.
Because metoclopramide is a CYP2D6 substrate, strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine, and bupropion) may raise its levels and side-effect risk; dose adjustments or alternatives may be needed. Use with SSRIs/SNRIs or other serotonergic agents has occasionally been associated with serotonin syndrome; monitor for agitation, diaphoresis, tremor, hyperreflexia, or fever if combinations are unavoidable.
By accelerating gastric emptying, metoclopramide can alter the absorption of other medications. It may decrease digoxin bioavailability, potentially requiring monitoring, and increase cyclosporine levels. It can affect absorption of oral analgesics and some antibiotics. Diabetes medications may need adjustment as improved gastric transit and appetite can impact glycemic control. Always share a complete medication and supplement list with your clinician and pharmacist before starting Reglan.
If you miss a dose of oral Reglan, take it as soon as you remember unless it is near the time for your next dose. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed one and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose. If you frequently forget doses, ask your care team about reminders or simplified regimens.
Symptoms of overdose may include excessive drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, agitation, pronounced restlessness (akathisia), and extrapyramidal reactions such as dystonia. Severe cases can involve cardiovascular instability or, rarely, neuroleptic malignant syndrome. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact poison control immediately. Do not attempt to self-treat severe reactions at home.
Clinical management is supportive. Anticholinergic agents (such as benztropine) or antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine) may be used for dystonic reactions; benzodiazepines can help with severe agitation. Cardiorespiratory monitoring is often indicated in significant overdoses, and clinicians will evaluate for complications and treat accordingly.
Store oral tablets and solution at room temperature (generally 20–25°C or 68–77°F), protected from excessive heat, moisture, and light. Keep in the original container with the child-resistant cap closed tightly. Do not use beyond the expiration date, and keep all medications out of reach of children and pets. If your pharmacist provides a compounded liquid, follow any special storage instructions on the label.
Across health-related subreddits, discussions about Reglan (metoclopramide) often focus on its effectiveness for gastroparesis symptoms and nausea control. Many users report meaningful relief of early satiety, bloating, and vomiting, particularly when taken before meals. In emergency department narratives for migraine, some describe rapid relief of nausea with IV metoclopramide and note improved tolerance of oral pain medicine afterward.
A recurring theme is side effects—especially akathisia (a powerful inner restlessness), anxiety, or difficulty sitting still. Some users say clinicians premedicated them with diphenhydramine to reduce dystonic reactions in acute settings. Commenters frequently mention the 12-week usage limit and the boxed warning for tardive dyskinesia, urging others to weigh benefits against risks and to report unusual movements immediately. As with all online anecdotes, experiences vary widely and do not replace professional medical advice.
Patient reviews on platforms like WebMD often present a mixed picture. Many users describe significant reductions in nausea and improvements in gastric emptying symptoms, with better appetite and meal tolerance. Some report that taking doses 30 minutes before meals was key to feeling the benefit. Those who found relief often emphasize short-term use and close communication with their clinicians to manage dosing and duration.
Others highlight adverse effects—particularly restlessness, insomnia, or feelings of depression—and note that these led to discontinuation. A subset report dystonic reactions or worry about tardive dyskinesia, underscoring the importance of monitoring and limiting cumulative exposure. Overall, user ratings tend to reflect a balance between meaningful symptom control for the right patient and a side-effect profile that requires careful, individualized oversight.
In the United States, Reglan (metoclopramide) is an FDA-approved, prescription-only medication. By law, it must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy pursuant to a valid prescription from a licensed clinician after an appropriate evaluation. There is no legal pathway to buy prescription metoclopramide “without a prescription” in the U.S. Websites or sellers offering it without requiring a prescription are not compliant and may be unsafe.
If you believe Reglan could help you, the safe and lawful route is to speak with a healthcare professional—via in-person visit or reputable telehealth—to confirm the indication, review risks, check for drug interactions, and determine the shortest appropriate treatment duration. Pharmacists can also provide counseling on side effects, timing with meals, and what to watch for while taking the medicine.
Nunzia Pharmaceutical provides educational content to help patients understand therapies like Reglan and encourages clinician-guided care. Any legitimate pathway to obtain metoclopramide involves evaluation by a licensed prescriber and a valid prescription. Be wary of any service that claims otherwise, and prioritize your safety by using verified pharmacies and trusted healthcare channels.
Reglan, the brand name for metoclopramide, is a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist with additional 5-HT4 agonist and weak 5-HT3 antagonist activity. It speeds stomach emptying and intestinal transit (prokinetic effect) and blocks nausea signals in the brain’s chemoreceptor trigger zone.
It is approved for diabetic gastroparesis and short-term treatment of symptomatic GERD when other therapies fail. Clinicians also use it to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting (postoperative, chemotherapy adjunct), treat migraine-associated nausea, and stubborn hiccups.
After an oral dose, effects begin in about 30–60 minutes; IM works in 10–15 minutes and IV in 1–3 minutes. Prokinetic and antiemetic benefits typically last 1–2 hours, while the drug’s half-life is about 5–6 hours and longer in kidney impairment.
It’s usually taken 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime to align with digestion. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible and follow your prescriber’s instructions closely.
A common adult dose is 10 mg up to four times daily, adjusted for symptom severity, age, and kidney function. Your prescriber may change the dose and timing based on your response and tolerability.
Drowsiness, fatigue, restlessness or agitation (akathisia), dizziness, diarrhea, headache, and increased urination are common. Some people experience insomnia or mood changes.
Reglan carries a boxed warning for tardive dyskinesia—potentially irreversible, involuntary movements—risk rises with higher doses and longer use. It can also cause acute dystonia, parkinsonism, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, depression or suicidal thoughts, blood pressure changes, and elevated prolactin (e.g., menstrual changes, galactorrhea).
Avoid it with suspected or confirmed GI obstruction, perforation, or bleeding; pheochromocytoma or other catecholamine-secreting tumors; a history of tardive dyskinesia; or hypersensitivity to metoclopramide. Use great caution in seizure disorders, Parkinson’s disease, severe depression, and in the elderly.
Metoclopramide is widely used for nausea in pregnancy and is generally considered acceptable when benefits outweigh risks. In breastfeeding, small amounts enter milk and it can raise prolactin; monitor the infant for sedation or irritability and avoid using it solely to increase milk supply unless specifically advised by a specialist.
Yes. It can add to sedation from alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and sleep aids; increase EPS risk with antipsychotics; and rarely contribute to serotonin syndrome with SSRIs/SNRIs. It may increase cyclosporine levels, reduce digoxin absorption, and be counteracted by anticholinergics; dose reductions are needed with kidney impairment and in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers.
To lower the risk of tardive dyskinesia, avoid use longer than 12 weeks unless benefits clearly outweigh risks. Many courses are limited to a few days or weeks; reassess regularly with your clinician.
Report any new or uncontrolled movements, muscle stiffness, restlessness, mood changes, or fever immediately. Your clinician may monitor kidney function, symptom response, and adverse effects, and will reassess the need for ongoing therapy.
It can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or slowed reaction times. Avoid driving or hazardous tasks until you know how it affects you.
If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it’s close to the next dose; do not double up. Overdose can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, agitation, abnormal movements, or seizures—seek urgent medical help.
Small, low-fat, low-fiber meals and good hydration can support gastric emptying in gastroparesis. Avoid alcohol and unnecessary sedatives to reduce side effects, and coordinate dose timing with meals as prescribed.
Yes. Reglan is a brand name; metoclopramide is the generic name. Most clinical information applies to both.
Both are dopamine D2 antagonists that enhance gastric motility, but domperidone is largely peripheral and less likely to cause CNS side effects like restlessness or dystonia. Domperidone is not FDA-approved in the U.S. and can prolong QT interval and raise arrhythmia risk; access typically requires an FDA IND program.
Prochlorperazine is a phenothiazine antiemetic and antipsychotic that is effective for nausea but lacks prokinetic effects. Metoclopramide helps nausea and speeds gastric emptying; both carry EPS risk, while prochlorperazine may cause more anticholinergic effects and hypotension.
Promethazine is an antihistamine with strong anticholinergic and sedating properties, useful for motion sickness and nausea but not prokinetic. Metoclopramide is less sedating on average and adds motility benefits but has unique risks like tardive dyskinesia.
Erythromycin activates motilin receptors to stimulate stomach contractions and can be very effective short term, but tachyphylaxis develops quickly and it has notable drug interaction and QT risks. Metoclopramide offers antiemetic and prokinetic actions without antibiotic interactions, but carries EPS and tardive dyskinesia risk.
Prucalopride is a selective 5-HT4 agonist approved for chronic idiopathic constipation; it may aid upper GI motility in some patients, though evidence for gastroparesis is evolving. It lacks dopamine-related EPS risks but can cause headache and diarrhea; metoclopramide is better studied for gastroparesis.
Both are D2 antagonists that can reduce nausea; haloperidol is more potent centrally and may help refractory migraine-associated nausea but has higher risks of QT prolongation and dystonia. Metoclopramide is commonly used first due to combined antiemetic and prokinetic effects and a more established dosing safety profile.
Droperidol is a butyrophenone antiemetic with rapid onset but a boxed warning for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Metoclopramide has a boxed warning for tardive dyskinesia instead; the choice depends on setting, ECG risk, and need for prokinetic action.
Trimethobenzamide is an antiemetic with unclear mechanism and generally modest efficacy, often with fewer EPS but more variable benefit. Metoclopramide is more versatile for nausea plus gastroparesis, though with higher risk of movement-related side effects.
Chlorpromazine is a phenothiazine antipsychotic used off-label for severe nausea or intractable hiccups; it is sedating and has anticholinergic and hypotensive effects. Metoclopramide may be preferred when prokinetic action is desired and strong anticholinergic sedation is not.
Both increase prolactin and can boost milk supply, but neither is recommended routinely due to side effects and, for domperidone, cardiac risk and regulatory barriers. If considered, it should be short-term, closely monitored, and paired with lactation support to address underlying issues.
Itopride and levosulpiride are prokinetics used in some countries; they act peripherally and may have fewer central EPS effects. They are not widely available or approved in the U.S.; comparative efficacy varies and high-quality head-to-head data with metoclopramide are limited.
Cisapride was a potent 5-HT4 prokinetic but was withdrawn or severely restricted in many countries due to serious QT prolongation and arrhythmias. It is generally not available; metoclopramide or other alternatives are considered instead.