Before taking metoclopramide

Before taking metoclopramide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are under 20 years of age or over 65 years of age.
• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
• If you suffer from epilepsy.
• If you are so constipated that you feel there may be a blockage.
• If you have had surgery on your stomach or bowels within the previous four days.
• If you have noticed that your stools are blackened or if there is blood present.
• If you have allergies or have asthma.
• If you have porphyria (a blood disorder).
• If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a growth affecting the adrenal glands).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to metoclopramide or to any other medicine.

How to take metoclopramide

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take metoclopramide exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take metoclopramide at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. The tablets and oral solution forms of metoclopramide are taken three times each day unless you have been told otherwise.
• If you have been supplied with the modified release capsules, take one capsule twice a day. Swallow the capsules whole - do not crush or chew them. Taking your dose with a drink of water may help.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then continue as normal. If, however, you remember when it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking metoclopramide.
• Keep any regular doctor's appointments so that your progress can be monitored.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with metoclopramide.

Can metoclopramide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

• Fast heart beats, sweating, feeling hot, muscle stiffness, drowsiness, or reduced consciousness.
• Uncontrollable body, face or eye movements.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store metoclopramide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Metoclopramide Tablets 10 mg (Actavis UK Ltd), Actavis UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2007 accessed May 2010.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Metoclopramide Hydrochloride Oral Solution, Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2009, accessed May 2010.
• British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)