Reglan (metoclopramide) – What it does and how to use it safely

If you’ve been handed a prescription for Reglan, you probably wonder what it actually does. Reglan is the brand name for metoclopramide, a medicine that helps your stomach move food faster. It’s often used for nausea, vomiting, and to boost digestion when your stomach is slow after surgery or chemotherapy.

When doctors prescribe Reglan

Doctors usually turn to Reglan for three main reasons:

• Severe nausea and vomiting that haven’t responded to simpler treatments.
• Gastroparesis – a condition where the stomach empties too slowly, causing bloating and fullness.
• To help certain diagnostic tests, like a barium swallow, work better.

It’s not a first‑line pill for mild upset, but when the stomach’s not cooperating, it can be a real lifesaver.

How to take it and what dose is right

Typical adult dosing starts at 10 mg taken 30 minutes before a meal, up to three times a day. Your doctor might adjust the amount based on your weight, the reason you’re taking it, and how you respond. For children, the dose is weight‑based, so always follow the exact instructions on the label.

Take Reglan with a full glass of water. If you miss a dose, just take it as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time for the next one. Don’t double up; that can raise the risk of side effects.

Most people feel the benefit within a few hours. If you don’t notice improvement after a few days, or if symptoms get worse, give your doctor a call. Stopping the medicine abruptly can cause rebound nausea, so talk before you quit.

Common side effects you should watch for

Metoclopramide is generally well‑tolerated, but it does have a few quirks. The most common complaints are:

• Drowsiness or feeling a bit sleepy.
• Restlessness or a shaky feeling, especially if you take more than the recommended amount.
• Diarrhoea or loose stools.

If you notice any of these, they often settle down after a few days as your body gets used to the drug. However, there are rarer but serious side effects you must not ignore:

• Uncontrollable muscle movements, especially in the face or neck (known as tardive dyskinesia). This can become permanent if the drug is used long‑term.
• Severe allergic reactions – rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing.
• Signs of low blood sugar such as shaking, rapid heartbeat, or confusion.

If any of these appear, stop the medication and seek medical help right away.

Drug interactions you need to know

Reglan can bump up the levels of other medicines in your system, so it’s worth checking a few common culprits:

• Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome – a potentially dangerous condition.
• Drugs that affect the central nervous system, like antipsychotics, can raise the chance of extra movement problems.
• Alcohol can make drowsiness worse, so it’s best to limit intake while you’re on Reglan.

Always give your pharmacist a full list of what you’re taking, even over‑the‑counter meds and herbal supplements.

In summary, Reglan is a handy tool for nausea and slow stomach emptying, but it works best when you follow the dosing guide, watch for side effects, and keep your doctor in the loop about other drugs you use. When used responsibly, it can get you back to feeling normal faster.