Prescription Required
Description
What is Reglan (Metoclopramide) prescribed for?
This medication is used to treat conditions that affect the stomach and the intestines. Normally it is used as a short-term treatment for about 4 to 12 weeks, to combat heartburn when the usual medications do not work well enough. It is used mostly for heartburn that occurs after a meal or during the daytime. Treating any persistent heartburn can decrease the damage the stomach acid does to the esophagus and to help in the healing process overall.
Metoclopramide is also used as a treatment for diabetic patients who have poor emptying of their stomachs. Treating gastroparesis can decrease various symptoms such as nasusea, vomiting, and stomach and abdominal fullness. In this circumstance this medication works by blocking the natural substance dopamine, and speeds up stomach emptying and movement of the upper instestines.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this medication, consult with your doctor or pharmacist on the matter. Take this medication directly has prescribed, and make sure to read the instructions on the prescription label. And if you have any concerns, speak with your medical professional.
Directions
This medication is to be taken by mouth and 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. Therefore this medication is usually taken 4 times a day.
Be sure to wash and dry your hands before and after taking this medication. And remember the dosage is based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor about all of the other medications you may be taking, which includes prescription drugs, non prescription drugs and any herbal products.
If heartburn only occurs at certain times (such as after the evening meal), your doctor may direct you to take a single dose before those times instead of taking it throughout the day. This will reduce your risk of side effects.
Cautions
Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic Metoclopramide; or to any other medications or allergies in general. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before taking this medication, it is for the best to inform your doctor of your Medical history, especially if you have ever had the following; history of movement/muscle disorders (such as tardive dyskinesia, dystonia) caused by a medication, bleeding/blockage/hole in the intestines/stomach, breast cancer, high blood pressure, kidney problems, heart failure, mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), Parkinson's disease, liver problems (such as cirrhosis, porphyria), pheochromocytoma, seizures, a certain blood enzyme problem (NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency).
Liquid products may contain alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to limit alcohol. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
Disintegrating tablets may contain aspartame or phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid aspartame or phenylalanine in your diet, ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this medication safely.
If you have diabetes, this product may make it harder to control your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have high or low blood sugar. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
Side Effects
While minor, some of these side effects may occur. They are as follows; Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, agitation, headache, and diarrhea may occur. However if any of these persist or worsen, it’s best to speak with your doctor right away.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, confusion, depression, thoughts of suicide), decreased sexual ability, inability to keep still/need to pace, muscle spasms/uncontrolled muscle movements (such as twisting neck, arching back), Parkinson-like symptoms (such as shaking, slowed/difficult movement, mask-like facial expression), abnormal breast-milk production, enlarged/tender breasts, swelling of the hands/feet, changes in menstruation in women.
This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
FAQs
What is Reglan used for?
Reglan has a few uses, but its most common use is for heartburn. It is used as a short term treatment (4 to 12 weeks) for heartburn when other medications have not been successful on their own. Heart burn is commonly reported as a burning feeling in your chest and/or throat, accompanied by pain and sometimes a hot, sour, acidic, or salty taste. Other than being annoying, leaving heartburn untreated can cause damage to the esophagus which can become permanent or may even lead to cancer, in some cases.
Additionally, it may be used for gastroparesis, a condition seen in diabetic patients characterized by slow or insufficient emptying of the stomach. Gastroparesis has commonly reported symptoms of vomiting, nausea, feeling full, acid reflux, and abdominal pain. If left untreated, symptoms can become more severe and bacterial overgrowth from fermentation of food in the stomach may occur, causing infection.
What is Metoclopramide?
Metoclopramide is the active ingredient found inside Reglan, responsible for its therapeutic effects and benefits. It is both a prokinetic agent and dopamine antagonist with antiemetic (anti-vomiting) effects. Metoclopramide is taken by mouth, metabolized by the liver, and excreted through urination with a half-life of 5-6 hours. It is available as a generic alternative and can be purchased in two strengths (5 and 10 mg) at My Drug Center, available to those with a valid prescription.
What are the side effects of Reglan?
Side effects of Reglan include drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, agitation, headache, and diarrhea. These side effects should not alarm you; side effects are a normal response of the body to new medications and commonly go away as your body adjusts to it. However, if side effects persist and do not go away over time, or become unmanageable, you may want to consider speaking with your doctor. Keep in mind, not all side effects have been listed here.
How does Reglan work?
Reglan (Metoclopramide) works by stimulating the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract; this includes the lower esophageal sphincter, small intestine, and stomach. It does this by interfering with certain receptors. The lower esophageal sphincter is responsible for keeping acid and other stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus; people with GERD typically tend to have a weakened esophageal sphincter. Metoclopramide is effective at treating heartburn because it strengths the lower esophageal sphincter which reduces the amount of acid backing up into the esophagus and reduces heartburn. Similarly, Metoclopramide stimulates the muscles in the stomach which helps speed up the process of moving solid and liquid meals from the stomach to the intestine, which is why Metoclopramide is also effective at treating diabetic gastroparesis. Additionally, Metoclopramide blocks dopamine receptors in the brain; dopamine receptors located on nerves in the brain have significant roles in producing nausea.
How long does Reglan stay in your system?
The amount of time Reglan will stay in your system for will vary, especially for those with abnormal renal function. For the with normal renal function, after about 5-6 hours, half of the medication will clear from your system, and after about 30 hours, it should be completely cleared from the system.
How to take Reglan?
When you are prescribed this medication, your doctor will go over how and when to take Reglan for the best results. Take this medication exactly the way your doctor has directed you to. Generally, patients are directed to take their dose by mouth, swallowing the tablet whole 30 minutes before each main meal of the day and once before bedtime; a total of 4 doses per day. Based off certain factors, your doctor may give you a different dosing regimen to follow. For best results, take your medication exactly as directed.
How long does it take for Reglan to work?
The exact amount of time may vary between each individual based off personal and medical factors such as your age (personal) and other medical conditions (medical). Generally, this medication begins to work between 30 and 60 minutes after administration with effects lasting for about several hours.
What is the generic name for Reglan?
As like most medications, the generic name for Reglan is the name of the active ingredient found inside the brand-name product; Metoclopramide is the generic name for Reglan. Generic medications share the same active ingredient, indications, and strength which means it is just as therapeutically effective as the brand, with only few differences. Some minor differences between the brand and generic include the manufacturer and appearance of tablets, and one significant difference; the price. Generic medications offer the same benefits as the brand medication but for a lower, more reasonable cost.
Where can I buy Reglan?
You can purchase Reglan from the comfort of your own home when you order internationally through My Drug Center. We carry the generic alternative, sold as Metoclopramide, in 5 and 10 mg, in quantities of 100. A valid prescription is required to order this medication.
How much does Reglan cost?
At My Drug Center, we carry the generic alternative to Reglan which can be found as low as $34.00 when you buy a supply of 100 – 5mg tablets. That equals to about $0.34 per tablet; in the United States, the same supply for Reglan, the brand-name product, would cost you close to $4.00 per tablet.
What drug class is Reglan?
Reglan is an antiemetic drug that is known as both a prokinetic agent as well as a dopamine antagonist (also referred to as dopamine receptor antagonists). Drugs are divided into different classifications based on the drug’s effects and specific mechanism of action. For example, Reglan is known as antiemetic because it is effective against vomiting and nausea. Reglan is known as a prokinetic agent because it can enhance gastrointestinal motility by affecting contractions without disturbing their rhythm, and as a dopamine antagonist because it blocks dopamine receptors.
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