- Class
- Antiemetics
- Body system
- Gastrointestinal
- Brand names
- Reglan, Gimoti
What is Metoclopramide used for?
- Diabetic gastroparesis
- GERD that does not respond to other therapy
- Postoperative and chemotherapy nausea
- Helping a feeding tube pass beyond the stomach
How Metoclopramide works
Blocks dopamine receptors and speeds gastric emptying (prokinetic).
Common side effects
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Restlessness (akathisia)
- Diarrhea
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
Report right away
- Uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue or limbs (tardive dyskinesia)
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- High fever with muscle rigidity
Nursing considerations for Metoclopramide
- Contraindicated in GI obstruction, perforation or bleeding, seizure disorders and pheochromocytoma; avoid in Parkinson disease.
- IV: give slowly as directed; rapid injection causes intense anxiety and restlessness.
- Assess for involuntary movements and stop the drug if they appear.
Patient teaching
- Avoid alcohol and driving until you know how it affects you.
- Do not use it for longer than prescribed.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Antiemetics practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Metoclopramide belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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Which antiemetic carries a boxed warning for tardive dyskinesia?
Show answer
Answer A: Metoclopramide Metoclopramide can cause tardive dyskinesia; treatment beyond 12 weeks should be avoided.
-
What is the preferred parenteral route for promethazine?
Show answer
Answer A: Deep intramuscular Deep IM is preferred. Subcutaneous and intra-arterial injection are contraindicated because of severe tissue injury.
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A patient receiving ondansetron has a low potassium level. Why is this a concern?
Show answer
Answer B: It increases the risk of QT prolongation Hypokalemia increases the risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes with ondansetron.
Frequently asked questions
What is Metoclopramide used for?
Diabetic gastroparesis; GERD that does not respond to other therapy; Postoperative and chemotherapy nausea; Helping a feeding tube pass beyond the stomach.
What drug class is Metoclopramide?
Metoclopramide belongs to the class antiemetics. Blocks dopamine receptors and speeds gastric emptying (prokinetic).
What are the nursing considerations for Metoclopramide?
Contraindicated in GI obstruction, perforation or bleeding, seizure disorders and pheochromocytoma; avoid in Parkinson disease. IV: give slowly as directed; rapid injection causes intense anxiety and restlessness.
What should patients report while taking Metoclopramide?
uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue or limbs (tardive dyskinesia); depression or suicidal thoughts; high fever with muscle rigidity.