Metoclopramide: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Metoclopramide is a medicine used to relieve symptoms of delayed stomach emptying associated with diabetes, including nausea and vomiting. Its pharmacological class is not specified in the label, although its action helps food move through the upper digestive tract. It requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and is also indicated for certain adults with persistent gastro-oesophageal reflux.

Metoclopramide oral solution is indicated for adults with symptoms caused by diabetic gastroparesis, also called diabetic gastric stasis. This means that the stomach empties slowly in association with diabetes. Symptoms listed in the label include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, persistent fullness after meals and loss of appetite.

The oral solution is also indicated for short-term treatment of documented gastro-oesophageal reflux in adults whose symptoms have not responded to conventional treatment. Its main effect is on heartburn after meals and during the daytime, with less effect observed on night-time symptoms. The label recommends the oral solution for adults only and limits the duration of therapy.

Metoclopramide acts on signalling involved in nausea and movement through the digestive tract. It blocks dopamine receptors, which can reduce signals that trigger nausea and vomiting. In the upper digestive tract, it also supports coordinated muscle activity that helps move stomach contents onwards into the intestine.

This movement-promoting action is often described as prokinetic. Changes in stomach emptying can also alter how quickly food and some other medicines are absorbed.

The label lists oral solution at 5 mg/5 mL, standard and orally disintegrating tablets at 5 mg and 10 mg, injections at 5 mg/mL and 10 mg/2 mL, and nasal spray at 15 mg/0.07 mL. These are different formulations; the dosing details below concern the oral solution. The label lists 10 mg to 15 mg orally up to 4 times daily, 30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime, for symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux.

The label lists single doses up to 20 mg before a provoking situation for intermittent reflux symptoms, and 5 mg per dose for some more sensitive patients. The label lists 10 mg, 30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime, for diabetic gastroparesis, for two to eight weeks. The label lists approximately one-half the recommended dosage initially when creatinine clearance is below 40 mL/min.

Oral solution therapy should not exceed 12 weeks. Dose selection depends on symptoms, response and clinical assessment.

A missed dose may reduce symptom control. General pharmacy advice is to resume the prescribed schedule rather than double a dose to make up for one that was missed. If the timing is unclear, a pharmacist can advise, particularly where treatment is linked to meals or specific symptoms.

The label does not specify pregnancy or breastfeeding data. Anyone who is pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding should discuss metoclopramide with a doctor or pharmacist so that its suitability can be assessed before treatment.

The oral solution label specifies storage at controlled room temperature between 20°C and 25°C. Protect it from freezing. The product should not be used if the seal is broken.