Reglan (Metoclopramide) – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Safety

When you see Reglan, a prescription medication used to control nausea, vomiting, and delayed stomach emptying. Also known as Metoclopramide, it blocks dopamine receptors in the brain and gut, which helps move food through the stomach faster.

How Reglan fits into the treatment landscape

Metoclopramide, the active ingredient in Reglan, belongs to the class of dopamine antagonists. This class is essential for conditions where slowing of gut motility causes problems, especially gastroparesis, a disorder where the stomach empties too slowly. By inhibiting dopamine, Metoclopramide boosts the strength of stomach muscle contractions, which reduces symptoms like bloating, early satiety, and the nausea that often follows. The drug also works on the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain, making it useful for chemotherapy‑induced nausea, postoperative vomiting, and migraine‑related nausea.

Because Reglan influences both the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, dosing must be carefully managed. Adults typically start with 10 mg taken before meals and at bedtime; for severe cases, doctors may increase the dose to 20 mg, but never exceed 30 mg per day or use it longer than 12 weeks without strict supervision. The short‑term nature of therapy helps limit the risk of Reglan‑related movement disorders, the most serious side effect known as tardive dyskinesia. Other common side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth. Patients with a history of seizures, Parkinson’s disease, or severe depression should discuss alternatives with their physician, as dopamine blockade can worsen these conditions.

Understanding drug interactions is also key. Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can reduce Metoclopramide absorption, so they should be spaced at least two hours apart. Combining Reglan with other dopamine antagonists, certain antidepressants, or medications that prolong the QT interval can increase the chance of cardiac issues. Always share your full medication list with your healthcare provider to avoid unwanted effects.

In practice, Reglan offers a practical solution when rapid relief from nausea or improvement of gastric motility is needed. Whether you’re coping with gastroparesis after diabetes, managing chemo‑related queasiness, or seeking short‑term relief from postoperative vomiting, knowing how the drug works, its proper dose, and its safety profile empowers you to use it responsibly. Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dive deeper into related topics—ranging from oral care tips that protect your throat, to comparisons of other nausea‑controlling medications, and insights on how various conditions intersect with gut health. Explore the collection to get practical advice, detailed comparisons, and actionable steps that complement your understanding of Reglan.