Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide is a prokinetic and antiemetic medication used to treat nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal motility disorders by blocking dopamine receptors and enhancing motility.
Metoclopramide is a prokinetic agent used to relieve nausea, vomiting, and stomach motility problems.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A03FA01
- RxNorm
- 6915
- Generic
- Metoclopramide
- Class
- atc-a03
- Brands
- Pileran, Gimoti, Metozolv, Reglan
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, nasal
- Forms
- injection, prefilled syringe, tablet, solution, spray
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10mg three to four times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6 to 8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.1-0.2 mg/kg/dose up to 4 times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6 to 8 hours as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg three to four times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6 to 8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks; commonly used for hyperemesis gravidarum when other treatments fail
monitor for maternal side effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when clearly needed; avoid prolonged use
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid high doses
small amounts excreted in breast milk; monitor infant for drowsiness and feeding problems
observe infant for sedation, irritability, or feeding difficulties
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by at least 50%
increased sensitivity to extrapyramidal symptoms and sedation; start with lowest dose
monitor for tardive dyskinesia, sedation, and hypotension
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
under 2 yearsnot recommended
avoid in children under 2 years due to risk of severe extrapyramidal reactions
close monitoring if use is absolutely necessary
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
2 to 18 yearsweight-based dosing, max 0.5mg/kg/day
use for chemotherapy-induced nausea only; avoid for other indications in children
monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms especially in first 24-48 hours
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed for CrCl > 40 mL/min
use standard dosing with monitoring
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate severereduce dose by 50% for CrCl < 40 mL/min
reduce dose and extend dosing interval
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateconsider dose reduction
use with caution; metoclopramide is metabolized hepatically
monitor for increased side effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid or use minimal dose
avoid use in severe hepatic impairment due to limited data
close monitoring if use is necessary
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Bioavailability
Pharmacokinetic properties
Metoclopramide is used to treat nausea and vomiting (including post-operative and chemotherapy-induced), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), and to facilitate gastric emptying procedures.
Metoclopramide works as a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist in the brain and gastrointestinal tract. It also has 5-HT4 agonist and weak 5-HT3 antagonist properties, which help increase gastric contractions, accelerate stomach emptying, and reduce nausea signals.
Common side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, and movement disorders. Rare but serious risks include tardive dyskinesia (especially with long-term use) and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. It should be avoided in patients with Parkinson's disease, pheochromocytoma, or bowel obstruction. Use with caution in elderly patients and those with a history of seizures.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy