Metoclopramide is most commonly known in the U.S. by the brand name Reglan, made by Schwarz Pharma. Salix Pharmaceuticals also just received FDA approval to market in the U.S. an orally disintegrating metoclopramide tablet by the name of Metozolv. Metoclopramide is also sold in other countries under the brands Maxolon, by Shire/Valeant, Degan by Lek, Maxeran and Primperan by Sanofi Aventis, and Pylomid by Bosnalijek.

The medication is primarily used to facilitate gastric emptying in patients with gastroparesis, and in the treatment of severe GERD. It also is used to treat nausea and vomiting, morning sickness, migraine headaches, and has been shown to stimulate lactation in nursing women.

Because metoclopramide is a dopamine antagonist, it may worsen the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is also contraindicated for patients with a suspected bowel obstruction and those who suffer from clinical depression, as it may aggravate symptoms of depression. But long-term use, which is necessary in some patients, especially those suffering from gastroparesis, has been shown to cause the Parkinson’s-like symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia among otherwise healthy people. Because of the new black box warning issued by the FDA, labeling for metoclopramide medications now carry a warning of Tardive Dyskinesia. Unfortunately, the warning is too late for many who know find themselves with a diminished quality of life from a medication that was to designed to improve their quality of life.

SOURCE: Reglan Side Effects › Metoclopramide can diminish quality of life