If you have gastroparesis, then you know how difficult it is to eat and digest food. Eating can be challenging. You probably spend most of your time thinking about which foods you can digest quickly or easily.
Metoclopramide is a drug that has been commonly recommended by doctors for people with gastroparesis. It’s used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with the condition, as well as for the potential side effects of other medication for gastroparesis.
This article gives you an overview of what metoclopramide is, its uses, side effects, dosage information, and where to find it online.
Table of Contents
What is Metoclopramide?
Metoclopramide is a type of medication called a prokinetic. The main function of prokinetics is to increase the movement of food through your gastrointestinal tract.
Metoclopramide also has anti-nausea effects and appetite enhancement properties. It works by blocking dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of nausea.
Metoclopramide is most commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with certain medical conditions, such as gastroenteritis, gastritis, GERD, gastroparesis, and diabetic gastroparesis.
Uses of Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide is used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting, especially in people with gastroparesis.
Metoclopramide can also improve your feeling of fullness as well as increase your appetite.
Side Effects of Metoclopramide
Nausea
The most common side effect of metoclopramide is nausea. Because of this, some people with gastroparesis will try to avoid taking this medication. However, nausea from metoclopramide usually goes away after taking it for 3 or 4 days.
Diarrhea
Another common side effect is diarrhea. Diarrhea is the frequent passage of liquid stools. That liquid may be forceful, watery, and unformed. In some cases, diarrhea may be so severe that a person is unable to work or go to school.
Diarrhea can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and even dangerous.
Diarrhea is more common in children and adults who take metoclopramide for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In these cases, the diarrhea is often self-limiting (meaning it gets better on its own). In other cases,
diarrhea may be a sign of an allergic reaction to metoclopramide.
Diarrhea can be treated with loperamide (Imodium).
Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects.
How to Take Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide can be taken as a pill, liquid, or even a suppository.
The most common way of taking metoclopramide is as a pill. You can take it with or without food. It is not advisable to take metoclopramide with dairy products or high-fat foods.
Taking metoclopramide with food can reduce the chance of nausea. It is also recommended that you take metoclopramide with a small amount of water.
Where to Find It Online
You can find metoclopramide in any pharmacy, grocery store, or online. You can even order it online from some websites. It is available in tablet or liquid form, usually in either 5 or 10 mg doses. You can find it in a variety of brand names, such as Reglan or Maxeran. It usually costs around $20 for a one-month supply.
There are many online pharmacies where you can find metoclopramide. However, it is important to use a legitimate pharmacy to avoid getting fake or contaminated medications. Before ordering from an online pharmacy, make sure it is legitimate by checking their reviews and talking to your doctor.
Final Words
Metoclopramide is a drug that has been commonly recommended by doctors for people with gastroparesis. It’s used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with the condition, as well as for the potential side effects of other medication for gastroparesis.
This article gives you an overview of what metoclopramide is, its uses, side effects, dosage information, and where to find it online.
