Reglan (Generic)
Reglan (Metoclopramide) increases the contractions of the stomach and small intestine, helping the passage of food. It is given to treat the symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach does not contract.

Generic Reglan 10mg tablets

Uses

Metoclopramide increases the contractions of the stomach and small intestine, helping the passage of food. It is given to treat the symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach does not contract. These symptoms include vomiting, nausea, heartburn, feeling of indigestion, persistent fullness after meals, and appetite loss. Metoclopramide is also used, for short periods, to treat heartburn in people with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD- backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus). In addition, it is given to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and surgery.

How to take

Metoclopramide is usually taken 30 minutes before a meal. If you suffer from heartburn that occurs only intermittently or only at certain times of day, your doctor may want you to schedule your metoclopramide therapy around those times.
You will probably take metoclopramide for only 4 to 12 weeks. Continuous treatment beyond 12 weeks is not recommended.
If you have diabetic "lazy stomach" (gastric stasis) that tends to recur, your doctor may want you to take metoclopramide at the first sign of a recurrence.

Side effects

Metoclopramide is generally well tolerated when used in low doses for brief periods. The nervous system side effects increase with higher doses and longer periods of treatment. The common side effects are mentioned above under Drug Interactions.

Precaution

If you have Parkinson's disease, you should be given metoclopramide cautiously or not at all, since the drug may make your Parkinson's symptoms worse.
Because metoclopramide may make you drowsy and impair your coordination, you should not drive, climb, or perform hazardous tasks until you know how the medication affects you.
Use metoclopramide with caution if you have high blood pressure. Be careful, too, if you have cirrhosis or congestive heart failure. Under these conditions, metoclopramide may cause fluid retention and heart problems. If this happens during the first few weeks of metoclopramide therapy, you will have to stop taking the drug.

Drug interactions

If metoclopramide is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining metoclopramide with the following:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Alcoholic beverages
Antispasmodic drugs such as Bentyl and Pro-Banthine
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Insulin
MAO inhibitor antidepressants such as Nardil and Parnate
Levodopa (Sinemet)
Narcotic painkillers such as Percocet and Demerol
Sleeping pills such as Dalmane, Halcion, and Restoril
Tetracycline (Sumycin, others)
Tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax
If you take insulin for diabetes, your insulin dosage or dosing schedule may have to be adjusted while you are taking metoclopramide.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.