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What does it do?

Metoclopramide is used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting. It is also sometimes used for other conditions.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney or bowel problems.
  • Tell your doctor if you have Parkinson's disease (or any other movement disorder), if you have ever had a seizure, or if you have experienced abnormal body movements with any other medicine.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take metoclopramide as directed with a glass of water.

What if you forget a dose?

Should an occasional dose be missed it need not be taken later.

Can other medicines be taken?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with metoclopramide including:

  • some antihistamines (may be in anti-allergy, anti-nausea and cough/cold medicines)
  • prochlorperazine

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that your child may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Face or neck muscle spasm, unusual eye movements

Feeling restless, strange or uncontrolled movements, tremor, stiffness

Fast or irregular heartbeat

Tell your doctor immediately

Dizziness, headache, drowsiness, tiredness, weakness, trouble sleeping

Sore or enlarged breasts, breastmilk production

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • Metoclopramide can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)

This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed