Metoclopramide Hydrochloride Accord Healthcare (Metoclopramide Hydrochloride)

Metoclopramide Hydrochloride is an antiemetic and pro‑kinetic agent used in several gastrointestinal and neurologic conditions.

• Nausea and vomiting: reduces the frequency and severity of episodes.
• Gastroparesis: enhances gastric motility and accelerates emptying.
• Gastro‑oesophageal reflux disease: alleviates reflux symptoms by improving lower‑esophageal sphincter tone.
• Migraine‑associated nausea: controls nausea that accompanies migraine attacks.

• Metoclopramide Hydrochloride antagonizes dopamine D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This blockade reduces nausea signalling and increases acetylcholine release, which stimulates smooth‑muscle contraction, thereby enhancing gastric motility and accelerating gastric emptying.

Metoclopramide Hydrochloride may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to serious.

Common Side Effects

• Drowsiness: feeling unusually sleepy or fatigued.
• Restlessness: a sense of inner tension or inability to stay still.
• Diarrhea: loose, frequent stools.
• Dry mouth: reduced salivation leading to a parched feeling.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Extrapyramidal reactions: involuntary muscle movements or rigidity.
• Tardive dyskinesia: persistent, irreversible facial or limb movements.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: high fever, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability.
• Anaphylaxis: severe allergic reaction with breathing difficulty and swelling.

When prescribing Metoclopramide Hydrochloride, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.

• Pregnancy: Category B; use only if benefits outweigh potential risks.
• Lactation: Small amounts excreted in breast milk; monitor infant for adverse effects.
• Renal impairment: Adjust dose or interval in patients with reduced clearance.
• Elderly: Increased sensitivity to central nervous system effects; start with the lowest effective dose.
• Concomitant CNS depressants: May enhance sedation or respiratory depression.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in original container, protect from moisture and light.

Metoclopramide Hydrochloride can interact with other medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol): may increase risk of extrapyramidal symptoms.
• MAO inhibitors: can potentiate hypertensive reactions.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine): may raise metoclopramide plasma levels.
• Anticholinergic agents: may reduce pro‑kinetic effect.
• Opioid analgesics: additive central nervous system depression.