SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, headache, and tiredness may occur. Less common side effects include problems sleeping, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, and diarrhea. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, depression, thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, anxiety, agitation), decreased sexual ability, feelings of restlessness/agitation/jitteriness, mask-like facial expression, shuffling walk, drooling, uncontrolled shaking of the hands, twitching in the face, muscle spasms, weakness, trouble swallowing, uncontrollable movements of the mouth/face/hands, unusual nipple discharge, enlarged/tender breasts, unusual fluid retention (swelling), changes in menstruation in women, vision changes, slow or fast irregular heartbeat, fainting, increase in urination, inability to hold urine (incontinence).
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of serious infection (e.g., high fever, persistent sore throat, severe chills), signs of liver problems (e.g., persistent nausea/vomiting, severe tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain).
This drug may infrequently cause a serious (sometimes fatal) nervous system problem (neuroleptic malignant syndrome). Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects: fever, rigid muscles, increased sweating, fast heartbeat, mental/mood changes, change in the amount of urine.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
These reactions are more common if you have asthma.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking metoclopramide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: bleeding/blockage/hole in the intestines/stomach, pheochromocytoma, seizures, porphyria.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, heart rhythm problems, Parkinson's disease, severe liver problems (e.g., cirrhosis), chronic heart failure, a certain blood enzyme problem (NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency), diabetes.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, mask-like facial expression, shuffling walk, drooling, uncontrolled shaking of the hands, twitching in the face, muscle spasm/weakness, trouble swallowing, and uncontrollable movements of the mouth/face/hands.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.