Metoclopramide — uses, dosing, side effects & the brands that sell it · pharmaranks
Metoclopramide: uses, dosing, side effects & brands
Metoclopramide is a dopamine-2 receptor antagonist sold in the U.S. under 6 brand and generic names, for gastroesophageal reflux, gastroparesis and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.
By the pharmaranks editorial team·Reviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sources·How we research
Key facts
Drug class
Dopamine-2 Receptor Antagonist
Treats
Gastroesophageal Reflux, Gastroparesis and Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
From the FDA label for Clopra-"Yellow" (application ANDA070632). Other metoclopramide products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.
The recommended dosage is 10 mg to 15 mg up to four times daily at least 30 minutes before eating and at bedtime for 4 to 12 weeks. ( 2.2 ) Diabetic Gastroparesis (Gastric Stasis) The recommended dosage is 10 mg dose four times daily at least 30 minutes before eating and at bedtime for 2 to 8 weeks. ( 2.3 ) Dosage Adjustment in Specific Populations See Full Prescribing Information for recommended dosage reductions for elderly patients, patients with moderate or severe hepatic or renal impairment, and cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) poor metabolizers. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Avoid treatment with Metoclopramide Orally Disintegrating Tablets for longer than 12 weeks because of the increased risk of developing TD with longer-term use [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 , 2.3), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Take on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before eating [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Do not repeat dose if inadvertently taken with food. Remove each dose from the packaging just prior to taking. Handle the tablet with dry hands and place on the tongue. If the tablet should break or crumble while handling, discard and remove a new tablet. Place the tablet on the tongue and allow it to disintegrate (takes approximately one minute) and swallow the granules without water [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 2.2 Dosage for GERD…
Metoclopramide side effects
The following adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections of the labeling: Tardive dyskinesia [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Other extrapyramidal effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Neuroleptic malignant syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Fluid retention [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Hyperprolactinemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Effects on the ability to drive and operate machinery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Metoclopramide The following adverse reactions have been identified from clinical studies or postmarketing reports of metoclopramide. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The most common adverse reactions (in approximately 10% of patients receiving 10 mg of metoclopramide four times daily) were restlessness, drowsiness, fatigue, and lassitude. In general, the incidence of adverse reactions correlated with the dosage and duration of metoclopramide administration. Adverse reactions, especially those involving the nervous system, occurred after stopping metoclopramide including dizziness,…
Every metoclopramide product we track (6)
Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.
Metoclopramide hydrochloride, the active ingredient of Metoclopramide Orally Disintegrating Tablets, is a dopamine-2 (D2) antagonist. Metoclopramide hydrochloride (metoclopramide monohydrochloride monohydrate), is a white or almost white crystalline powder, freely soluble in water. Chemically, it is 4-amino-5-chloro-N-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-2-methoxy benzamide monohydrochloride monohydrate. The molecular formula is C14H22ClN3O2•HCl•H2O. Its molecular weight is 354.3. The structural formula is: Metoclopramide Orally Disintegrating Tablets is an orally disintegrating tablet for oral administration and is available in 5 mg and 10 mg strengths. Each Metoclopramide Orally Disintegrating Tablets 5 mg tablet contains 5 mg metoclopramide (equivalent to 5.91 mg of metoclopramide hydrochloride USP). Each Metoclopramide Orally Disintegrating Tablets 10 mg tablet contains 10 mg metoclopramide (equivalent to 11.82 mg metoclopramide hydrochloride USP). Metoclopramide Orally Disintegrating Tablets includes the following inactive ingredients: phosphoric acid, mannitol and starch, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, amino methacrylate copolymer, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, crospovidone, aspartame, N-C mint flavor, magnesium stearate. Metoclopramide
What kind of drug is metoclopramide?
The FDA classifies metoclopramide as a dopamine-2 receptor antagonist. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take metoclopramide with other medicines?
It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run metoclopramide against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is metoclopramide sold under?
We track 6 metoclopramide-containing products in the U.S.: Clopra-"Yellow", Gimoti, Metoclopramide Hydrochloride, Metozolv ODT, Reglan and Reglan ODT. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.
Who shouldn’t take metoclopramide
Metoclopramide Orally Disintegrating Tablets is contraindicated: In patients with a history of tardive dyskinesia (TD) or a dystonic reaction to metoclopramide [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2)]. When stimulation of gastrointestinal motility might be dangerous (e.g., in the presence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, mechanical obstruction, or perforation). In patients with pheochromocytoma or other catecholamine-releasing paragangliomas. Reglan may cause a hypertensive/pheochromocytoma crisis, probably due to release of catecholamines from the tumor [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5 )]. In patients with epilepsy. Reglan may increase the frequency and severity of seizures [see Adverse Reactions (6) ]. In patients with hypersensitivity to metoclopramide. Reactions have included laryngeal and glossal angioedema and bronchospasm [see Adverse Reactions (6) ]. History of TD or dystonic reaction to metoclopramide ( 4 ) When stimulation of gastrointestinal motility might be dangerous ( 4 ) Pheochromocytoma, catecholamine-releasing paragangliomas ( 4 ) Epilepsy ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to metoclopramide ( 4 )
Metoclopramide drug interactions
Antipsychotics: Potential for additive effects, including TD, EPS, and NMS ; avoid concomitant use. ( 7.1 ) CNS depressants : Increased risk of CNS depression; avoid concomitant use and monitor for adverse reactions. ( 7.1 ) Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., quinidine, bupropion, fluoxetine, and paroxetine) : See Full Prescribing Information for recommended dosage reductions. ( 2.2 , 2.3 , 7.1 ) MAO inhibitors : Increased risk of hypertension; avoid concomitant use. ( 5.5 , 7.1 ) Additional drug interactions : See Full Prescribing Information. ( 7.1 , 7.2 ) 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Metoclopramide Table 3 displays the effects of other drugs on metoclopramide. Antipsychotics Clinical Impact Potential for additive effects, including increased frequency and severity of tardive dyskinesia (TD), other extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Intervention Avoid concomitant use [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 )]. Strong CYP2D6 Inhibitors, not Included in Antipsychotic Category Above Clinical Impact Increased plasma concentrations of metoclopramide; risk of exacerbation of extrapyramidal symptoms [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Intervention Reduce the Metoclopramide Orally Disintegrating Tablets dosage [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 , 2.3 )] . Examples quinidine, bupropion, fluoxetine, and paroxetine. Monoamine Oxidase…
Across the brands we track, metoclopramide is currently marketed as tablet, spray/inhaler, solution and tablet, orally disintegrating, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.
Is there a generic metoclopramide?
Yes. Our catalog lists 2 generic metoclopramide products alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.
Has metoclopramide been recalled?
The FDA's Enforcement database lists 1 recall record whose product description mentions metoclopramide. The most recent: Metoclopramide Tablets (May 23, 2025). A recall applies to specific lots, not to the drug as a whole — check the record for the affected lot numbers.