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Metoclopramide

Brand names: Reglan, Gimoti

Metoclopramide speeds stomach emptying and eases nausea. It treats gastroparesis and reflux.

Brand namesReglan, Gimoti
Type of medicineStomach-emptying and anti-nausea medicine
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It's limited to 12 weeks because of the risk of a lasting movement disorder.

What it's used for

  • Gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying)
  • Reflux that hasn't responded to other medicines
  • Nausea in some settings

How to take it

  • Take it 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime.
  • Don't use it for more than 12 weeks.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Restlessness
  • Sleepiness
  • Tiredness
  • Diarrhea
Call your provider todayUncontrolled movements of the face, tongue, or body. Stop it and call your provider.
Call 911High fever, stiff muscles, and confusion
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.

Warnings

  • Boxed warning: tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder that may be permanent. Risk rises with longer use and in older adults.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Antipsychotics add to movement side effects.
  • It works against Parkinson's medicines.
  • Alcohol and sedating medicines add to drowsiness.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Sometimes used for nausea in pregnancy. Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.