Reglan drug: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Reglan medicine (Metoclopramide HCl) is often used to treat some conditions in the stomach and intestines such as: gastric reflux, slow stomach circulation, bloating... and is not recommended for children.

1. What does Reglan do?

Reglan (Metoclopramide) is commonly used to treat certain stomach conditions, especially persistent heartburn that occurs after meals or during the day. This medication is usually prescribed for a short term (4-12 weeks) when conventional medications don't work. Treating acid reflux can also help reduce damage caused by stomach acid to the esophagus.
Reglan is also used for diabetics who are likely to have complications from slow gastric circulation (gastroparesis). The drug increases gastric emptying and peristalsis of the upper intestine, thereby helping to relieve symptoms of nausea, vomiting and bloating.
Reglan is not recommended for use in children due to an increased risk of serious side effects (such as muscle spasms, uncontrolled muscle movements).

2. Dosage and usage of Reglan

Reglan is usually taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. Usually 4 times per day (30 minutes before meals and at bedtime). If you are using Reglan liquid, use a special measuring device or spoon to measure and get the correct amount of medication; Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. To avoid the risk of tardive dyskinesia (TD), do not take this medicine in large doses or for longer than directed by your doctor. If heartburn occurs only at certain times (for example, after dinner), your doctor may give you a single dose before that instead of taking it all day. This will help reduce the risk of side effects. For the treatment of stomach upset caused by diabetes, Reglan is usually taken for 2-8 weeks until the stomach condition has gradually stabilized. However, the condition can recur over time. Your doctor may direct you to take this medicine as soon as your symptoms appear and to stop it when you get better. Ask your doctor for instructions on how to properly start and stop medication. If you have been using Reglan for a long time or in high doses, when you suddenly stop taking it, you may experience symptoms such as dizziness, nervousness, headache. To avoid these reactions the dose should be reduced gradually. If your condition persists or worsens, tell your doctor.

3. Undesirable effects

Like many other medicines, Reglan can also bring some side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, trouble sleeping, agitation, increased blood pressure, headache and diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you experience any serious side effects such as: mood swings (such as anxiety, confusion, depression, thoughts of suicide), decreased sex drive, muscle spasms, difficulty controlling muscle movements (such as twisting the neck, arching the back), Parkinson's-like symptoms (such as tremors, slow movements, difficulty), abnormal breast milk production, large, tender breasts, swollen breasts hands, feet, menstrual changes in women. In rare cases, Reglan can cause a very serious neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness, severe confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat, irregular heartbeat. Allergic reactions to Reglan are also rare. However, if you notice any signs of a serious allergic reaction such as: severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, itchy swelling of the face, tongue, throat, rash, etc., call for medical help as soon as possible.

4. Be careful when using Reglan

Before taking Reglan medicine, be aware of the following:
If you are allergic to Metoclopramide or any other condition, tell your doctor immediately; Share with the doctor about the patient's medical history, especially the history of movement-muscle disorders (such as tardive dyskinesia, dystonia); bleeding, blockage, hole in the intestines or stomach; breast cancer, high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney problems, psychological problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), Parkinson's disease, liver problems (such as cirrhosis, metabolic disorders) porphyrins), Pheochromocytoma, convulsions, some blood enzyme problems... Reglan can cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision, so patients should not use it with alcoholic beverages, stimulants . Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires alertness or concentration while the medicine is working; If you have diabetes, Reglan may make it harder for you to control your blood sugar. Therefore, patients should actively check their blood sugar as directed and notify their doctor if they see abnormal results. Your doctor may consider adjusting your diabetes medication, exercise schedule, or diet. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially muscle spasms, uncontrolled muscle movements. The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of Reglan, especially drowsiness, tardive dyskinesia, and muscle problems caused by Parkinson's. Drowsiness may increase the risk of falls in the elderly. For pregnant women, Reglan should only be used when absolutely necessary. For women who are breastfeeding, Reglan can pass into breast milk and cause unwanted effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking the drug and breast-feeding.

5. Drug interactions

Some drugs that may react with Reglan include: antipsychotics (such as Aripiprazole, Haloperidol), Atovaquone, Dopamine agonists (such as Cabergoline, Pergolide, Ropinirole), Fosfomycin, MAO inhibitors (Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene Blue, Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Phenelzine procarbazine, Rasagiline, Safinamide, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine), Pramlintide, Promethazine, Prochlorperazine, Rivastigmine. Reglan speeds up the passage of food and medicine through the stomach, which can affect how well some medicines are absorbed. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if any medications you are taking may be affected. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medicines that also cause drowsiness, such as: marijuana, alcohol, antihistamines (such as Cetirizine, Diphenhydramine), sleeping pills, or treatment for anxiety (such as Alprazolam, Zolpidem). , Diazepam ), muscle relaxants, and opioid pain relievers (eg Codeine).

6. Some Notes

Overdose: If you take an overdose of Reglan and experience symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Patients are encouraged to perform periodic health examinations, including medical procedures such as endoscopy for ulcers... to recognize and monitor side effects. Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and do not double your dose. Storage: Store Reglan at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep medicine out of reach of small children and range of pets.

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Reference source: Webmd