Metoclopramide: study card

Generic name

Metoclopramide

Class

Prokinetic (dopamine D2 antagonist)

Mechanism

Stimulates upper GI motility, apparently by sensitizing tissues to acetylcholine; raises LES tone and speeds gastric emptying.

Used for

Treatment for 4–12 weeks of symptomatic, documented GERD in adults who have not responded to conventional therapy; Relief of acute or recurrent diabetic gastroparesis symptoms in adults

Common side effects

Restlessness; Drowsiness; Fatigue; Lassitude

Boxed warning

Potentially irreversible tardive dyskinesia risk increases with duration and cumulative exposure. Use the shortest duration and stop if TD develops; prior TD is contraindicated. GERD treatment must not exceed 12 weeks. For diabetic gastroparesis, avoid total use beyond 12 weeks; unavoidable longer use requires routine TD monitoring.

Warnings

Tardive dyskinesia, EPS, NMS; Depression and suicidal ideation; Contraindicated in epilepsy, pheochromocytoma

Interactions

Antipsychotics; CNS depressants; MAO inhibitors

Brand questions use only name pairings verified against the linked product source. Unverified pairings are withheld from these questions; the other study content remains available.

Label date: 20260818 · For learning, not clinical decisions. US label and brand information; always consult the current source.

Source snapshot checked: 2026-10-21. The source document and selected fields were compared. The complete card has not had an independent clinical review.