Reglan: Effective Relief for Gastroparesis and Heartburn
| Product dosage: 10mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 90 | $0.46 | $41.27 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.43 | $55.03 $51.34 (7%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.40 | $82.55 $71.47 (13%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.38 | $123.82 $102.68 (17%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.37
Best per pill | $165.10 $132.88 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Similar products
Reglan (metoclopramide hydrochloride) is a prescription medication indicated for the short-term treatment of adults with diabetic gastroparesis and for the relief of heartburn associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when conventional therapy has not been effective. As a prokinetic agent, it works by increasing the contractions of the stomach and upper intestine, facilitating the movement of food through the digestive system and providing symptomatic relief. Its targeted action makes it a valuable tool for clinicians managing specific gastrointestinal motility disorders, though its use requires careful patient selection and monitoring due to the potential for serious neurological side effects.
Features
- Active Ingredient: Metoclopramide hydrochloride.
- Drug Class: Dopamine D2 receptor antagonist; prokinetic agent.
- Available Forms: Oral tablets (5 mg, 10 mg), oral solution (5 mg/5 mL), and injectable solution.
- Mechanism of Action: Antagonizes dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and stimulates upper GI motility by enhancing acetylcholine release.
- Onset of Action: Symptomatic relief may occur within 30 to 60 minutes of oral administration.
- Duration of Treatment: Typically prescribed for short-term use (4 to 12 weeks) due to risk of tardive dyskinesia.
Benefits
- Accelerates gastric emptying and intestinal transit, providing relief from the uncomfortable fullness, nausea, and vomiting associated with gastroparesis.
- Reduces the frequency and severity of heartburn and regurgitation in patients with GERD who have not responded adequately to other treatments.
- Can be used to prevent nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy or post-operatively (in injectable form).
- Offers a targeted therapeutic option for a specific subset of gastrointestinal disorders where motility is the primary concern.
Common use
Reglan is primarily used for two main indications in adults. The first is the short-term (4 to 12 weeks) therapy for symptomatic diabetic gastroparesis. This condition, often seen in patients with long-standing diabetes, involves delayed stomach emptying, leading to symptoms like early satiety, postprandial fullness, nausea, and vomiting. The second common use is for the relief of heartburn in patients with documented GERD who have failed to respond to conventional therapies, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-receptor antagonists. Its prokinetic effects help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and improve gastric emptying, thereby reducing reflux episodes.
Dosage and direction
Dosage must be individualized based on the patient’s clinical condition and response. For diabetic gastroparesis in adults, the usual oral dosage is 10 mg taken 30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime for 2 to 8 weeks. Therapy should not exceed 12 weeks in duration. For GERD, the dosage is 10 mg to 15 mg orally up to four times daily, 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. The injectable form is administered by healthcare professionals for specific indications like post-operative nausea or chemotherapy-induced emesis. It is crucial to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration to minimize the risk of serious adverse effects. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
Precautions
Patients should be closely monitored for the development of extrapyramidal symptoms or tardive dyskinesia, even after discontinuation of the drug. The risk of these irreversible movements increases with duration of treatment and total cumulative dose. Reglan may cause drowsiness or impair mental and/or physical abilities; patients should be cautioned against operating machinery or driving until they know how the drug affects them. Use with caution in patients with depression, as the drug may exacerbate the condition. Due to its effects on prolactin levels, it should be used cautiously in patients with a history of breast cancer. Elderly patients are more susceptible to the adverse effects of the drug, particularly parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesia.
Contraindications
Reglan is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to metoclopramide or any components of the formulation. Its use is also contraindicated in situations where stimulation of gastrointestinal motility might be dangerous, such as in the presence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, mechanical obstruction, or perforation. It must not be used in patients with pheochromocytoma due to the risk of hypertensive crisis. Concomitant use with other drugs that are likely to cause extrapyramidal reactions is contraindicated. It should not be used in patients with epilepsy, as it may increase the frequency and severity of seizures.
Possible side effect
Common side effects include restlessness, drowsiness, fatigue, and lassitude, which are often transient. More significant side effects include extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as acute dystonic reactions (involuntary muscle spasms, especially of the face, neck, and back), parkinsonian symptoms (tremor, bradykinesia), and akathisia (a feeling of inner restlessness and need to move). The most serious risk is tardive dyskinesia, a potentially irreversible movement disorder characterized by involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth, or jaw. Other side effects can include hyperprolactinemia (leading to galactorrhea, gynecomastia, amenorrhea), depression, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare but life-threatening reaction).
Drug interaction
Reglan has several important drug interactions. It can enhance the sedative effects of alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, narcotics, and tranquilizers. It may affect the absorption of other drugs from the gut by altering gastrointestinal motility; for instance, it can increase the absorption of cyclosporine and certain antibiotics while decreasing the absorption of drugs like digoxin. Concomitant use with other dopamine antagonists (e.g., antipsychotics) may increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms. It should not be used with MAO inhibitors due to the theoretical risk of hypertensive crisis. Caution is advised when using with serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs) due to a potential increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed one, as this increases the risk of adverse effects.
Overdose
Overdose of Reglan primarily manifests as its pharmacological extensions, including drowsiness, disorientation, and extrapyramidal reactions. In severe cases, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (characterized by hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, altered consciousness, and autonomic instability) may occur. There is no specific antidote for metoclopramide overdose. Management involves immediate discontinuation of the drug, supportive care, and symptomatic treatment. Acute dystonic reactions can be treated with intravenous or intramuscular diphenhydramine or benztropine mesylate. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion was recent. Close monitoring of vital signs and neurological status is essential.
Storage
Store Reglan tablets and oral solution at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets. Do not freeze the oral solution. Properly discard any unused medication after the course of therapy is completed or after the expiration date has passed, following local guidelines for medication disposal.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting or stopping any medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The information provided may not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects.
Reviews
- “As a gastroenterologist, I find Reglan to be a powerful tool for refractory gastroparesis. The key is strict adherence to short-term dosing protocols and vigilant monitoring for neurological signs. The efficacy in improving gastric emptying is well-documented, but the risk profile demands respect and careful patient education.” – Dr. A. Reynolds, MD
- “Provided significant relief from the constant nausea I experienced with my diabetic gastroparesis. However, I did experience some restlessness and had to stop after 8 weeks as per my doctor’s orders. It was effective for the short time I used it.” – Patient M.T.
- “This medication is a last-resort option in my practice for GERD patients failing maximal PPI therapy. It can be effective, but the potential for tardive dyskinesia, even with short-term use, makes the risk-benefit analysis paramount for each individual patient.” – Clinical Pharmacist, J. Wong