Metoclopramide Medications

Metoclopramide is a prokinetic medication used to treat nausea, vomiting, and gastroparesis by enhancing stomach emptying and blocking dopamine receptors.

Maxolon

Metoclopramide

$0.57 per pill

10mg

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Reglan

Metoclopramide

$0.43 per pill

10mg

Select pack

About Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is a dopamine-receptor antagonist that belongs to the class of prokinetic agents. It is most widely recognized for treating nausea, vomiting, and gastroparesis, and is also employed as an adjunct in migraine therapy. The drug is sold under brand names such as Reglan, Maxolon, and Clopto®, and generic tablets are widely available through our online pharmacy. While its primary indication is the relief of acute emesis, clinicians also prescribe it off-label for conditions like refractory dyspepsia and chemotherapy-induced nausea when other options fail. The molecule works by blocking dopamine D₂ receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and by enhancing gastric motility, thereby accelerating stomach emptying. Its rapid onset and short half-life make it useful for both acute and short-term management of gastrointestinal discomfort.

What is Metoclopramide?

Metoclopramide is a synthetic benzamide that functions as a selective dopamine D₂-receptor antagonist and a modest 5-HT₄-receptor agonist. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore granted its initial approval in the late -s for the treatment of postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Subsequent assessment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency expanded its label to include gastroparesis and migraine adjunct therapy. By blocking dopaminergic signaling in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, the drug lifts the inhibition of the vagus nerve, which in turn stimulates gastric smooth-muscle contractions and promotes coordinated transit of contents through the gastrointestinal tract. Both brand-name tablets and generic tablets are stocked by our online pharmacy, ensuring easy access for patients across Singapore.

How Metoclopramide Works

Mechanism of Action

Metoclopramide binds competitively to central and peripheral dopamine D₂ receptors, preventing dopamine from inhibiting the medullary vomiting centre. Simultaneously, its weak agonist activity at 5-HT₄ receptors enhances acetylcholine release, which further increases the amplitude of gastric peristaltic waves.

Therapeutic Effects

The dopamine blockade removes the “brake” on the vagus nerve, resulting in faster gastric emptying and a reduced perception of nausea. The 5-HT₄ activity adds a pro-motility boost, which together yields relief from both the sensation of nausea and the underlying gastric stasis that often precipitates it.

Onset and Duration

Clinical pharmacology studies report that plasma concentrations peak within 30-60 minutes after an oral dose, with anti-emetic effects evident within 15-30 minutes. The therapeutic window lasts 4-6 hours, after which plasma levels decline rapidly, making once- or twice-daily dosing sufficient for most indications.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Acute nausea and vomiting - post-operative, chemotherapy-induced, or radiation-induced (HSA, 2022).
Gastroparesis - adult patients with delayed gastric emptying confirmed by scintigraphy (European Society of Gastroenterology, 2021).
Adjunct in migraine - as part of a multi-drug regimen for acute migraine attacks (American Headache Society, 202).

Off-Label Uses

Refractory dyspepsia - modest benefit shown in a double-blind trial (Lancet Gastroenterology, 2018).
Hyperprolactinemia - occasional use when dopamine antagonism is required, though not a first-line choice (Endocrine Society, 2019). These applications are not officially sanctioned by the HSA; they remain clinical judgments made by treating physicians.

Clinical Efficacy

In a randomized, double-blind trial of 458 patients with chemotherapy-induced nausea, metoclopramide achieved a 63 % complete response rate versus 31 % with placebo (NEJM, 2017). For gastroparesis, a 12-week study demonstrated a median 50 % increase in gastric emptying rate versus baseline (Gastroenterology, 2019).

Buying Metoclopramide from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Patients in Singapore often encounter stock shortages or high out-of-pocket costs for brand-name preparations. Our online pharmacy delivers a discreet, regulated supply directly to your door, eliminating the need for multiple pharmacy visits.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Reglan® - 10 mg tablets, premium branding.
Maxolon® - 10 mg tablets, widely stocked in Asian markets.
Clopto® - 5 mg tablets, convenient for dose titration.
Generic metoclopramide - identical active ingredient, up to 70 % lower than branded pricing.

Quality & Safety

We collaborate with licensed international pharmacies that operate under WHO-recommended Good Manufacturing Practice standards and are inspected by the HSA.

Pricing & Access

The generic version is priced at approximately S$.30 per 10 mg tablet, with a “Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders.” Express delivery reaches most Singapore addresses within 7 days; standard shipping arrives in about three weeks, both in unmarked packaging.

Discreet Delivery

All parcels are sealed in tamper-evident, plain-white envelopes, protecting privacy while complying with local customs regulations.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Tablets: 5 mg and 10 mg strengths.
Oral solution: 5 mg/5 mL oral liquid for patients with swallowing difficulties.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adults with acute nausea, clinicians often start at 10 mg intravenously over 2 minutes or 10 mg orally, repeating every 6-8 hours as needed. In gastroparesis, the usual oral regimen is 10 mg three times daily before meals and at bedtime. Doses may be adjusted based on response and tolerability under medical supervision.

Administration Guidelines

Take the tablet with a full glass of water; food does not significantly alter absorption, but the drug should be spaced at least one hour before or two hours after a high-fat meal to reduce variability. Intravenous administration requires slow infusion to avoid sudden dopamine blockade-related side effects. A healthcare professional must determine the precise regimen for each patient.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Drowsiness - reported in ~15 % of users.
Extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., akathisia, dystonia) - occur in .5-1 % of patients.
Diarrhea - seen in roughly 8 % of trial participants.
Fatigue - documented in 6-9 % of subjects.

Serious Adverse Events

Tardive dyskinesia - a potentially irreversible movement disorder, especially after >12 weeks of continuous therapy; requires immediate medical evaluation.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome - rare but life-threatening; presents with fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to metoclopramide.
History of severe depression with suicidal ideation, because dopamine blockade may exacerbate mood symptoms.
Pheochromocytoma or uncontrolled hypertension.

Drug Interactions

CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine) raise plasma levels, increasing the risk of extrapyramidal reactions.
Other serotonergic agents (e.g., triptans, SSRIs) raise the chance of serotonin syndrome.
Anticholinergics may blunt the pro-kinetic effect.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Category B1 in Singapore; data suggest relative safety, yet the drug should be prescribed only when benefits outweigh potential risks.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts enter breast milk; caution advised.
Elderly: Reduced renal clearance may require dose reduction.
Renal or hepatic impairment: Start at the low end of the dosing range and monitor for accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does metoclopramide differ from domperidone? Both block peripheral dopamine receptors, but domperidone does not cross the blood-brain barrier, resulting in fewer central side effects such as extrapyramidal reactions.
How long before metoclopramide produces noticeable effects for nausea? Oral administration typically yields relief within 15-30 minutes; intravenous dosing can act within 5-10 minutes.
What should I do if I develop a stiff neck or facial twitching after taking metoclopramide? These are early signs of an extrapyramidal reaction. Stop the medication immediately and seek urgent medical attention.
Can I take metoclopramide with food? Food does not markedly affect absorption, but taking the tablet on an empty stomach or at least one hour before a large fatty meal improves consistency of response.
Is it safe to use metoclopramide for more than two weeks? Extended use beyond 12 weeks raises the risk of tardive dyskinesia; long-term therapy should only continue under close specialist supervision.
Does alcohol increase the risk of side effects? Alcohol may amplify drowsiness and dizziness; limit intake while on therapy.
Can metoclopramide be used in patients with diabetes? There is no direct contraindication, but careful monitoring is advised because gastroparesis is common in diabetic patients.
Will metoclopramide interfere with my blood pressure medication? It can potentiate the hypotensive effects of certain antihypertensives, especially when combined with alpha-blockers.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing metoclopramide?
- Complete list of current prescription and over-the-counter medications, including herbal supplements.
- History of neurological disorders or movement disorders.
- Details of any pregnancy, breastfeeding, or chronic organ disease.
- Specific treatment goals and any previous experience with anti-emetics.

Disclaimer

The information provided about metoclopramide is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing metoclopramide for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing metoclopramide.