Metoclopramide

What is Metoclopramide?

Metoclopramide is an anti-sickness medicine that helps to relieve nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. It’s used as an anti-sickness medicine for various reasons such as migraine, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and after an operation.

The active ingredient in the tablets is metoclopramide hydrochloride. Only one strength, metoclopramide 10 mg tablets, are available. It’s a prescription-only medicine and not available to buy over the counter. It’s also known as the brand name Maxolon.

How does it work?

Metoclopramide works by blocking chemical messengers from being received by the part of your brain responsible for vomiting. By blocking these messengers, metoclopramide reduces the sensation of nausea and helps to prevent vomiting.

How to take Metoclopramide

The recommended metoclopramide dosage is one 10mg tablet taken up to three times a day. You should always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. You should leave at least 6 hours between doses. This makes sure that you avoid accidentally overdosing. 

This medicine is only for short term use and the maximum recommended treatment duration is 5 days. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

• Prescription anti-sickness medicine
• Short term use only (up to 5 days)
• Treats nausea caused by various conditions
• This is only 5 days supply every 42 days
  

Side effects

There is a risk of side effects when taking metoclopramide, although not everyone will get them. The most common side effects include drowsiness, diarrhoea, feeling weak, restlessness and uncontrollable movements (such as tics or shaking).

You should stop taking this medicine and ask your doctor for advice if you notice uncontrollable movements as a side effect. See section 4 of the patient information leaflet for further drug information on serious side effects like an allergic reaction to the medicine. You can also talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice about side effects.