Reglan (Metoclopramide): What It Is, How to Use It, and What to Watch For

If you’ve ever felt sick after eating or had stomach cramps that won’t go away, your doctor might have mentioned Reglan. It’s the brand name for a drug called metoclopramide, and it works by moving food faster through your gut while calming nausea signals in the brain.

When Do Doctors Prescribe Reglan?

Reglan is most often used for three reasons: to treat severe nausea or vomiting caused by chemo, surgery, or a stomach infection; to help people with gastroparesis (a condition where the stomach empties too slowly); and to boost the effectiveness of certain other medicines that need quick stomach emptying. If you’ve tried diet changes and over‑the‑counter meds without relief, your doctor may suggest Reglan as the next step.

Typical doses start low – usually 5 mg taken three or four times a day – and are adjusted based on how well you respond. Your prescriber will tell you whether to take it with food or on an empty stomach; most guidelines say it’s best on an empty stomach for faster action.

Common Side Effects & Safety Tips

Like any medication, Reglan has side effects. The most common ones are mild and include drowsiness, restlessness, or a feeling of being shaky. Some people notice dry mouth or mild diarrhea. If you feel severe muscle stiffness, trouble walking, or an uncontrollable urge to move (called akathisia), stop taking the drug and call your doctor right away.

One big safety tip: don’t use Reglan for more than 12 weeks unless a specialist says it’s okay. Long‑term use can raise the risk of a rare but serious movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia, which may become permanent. To lower this risk, keep track of any unusual movements and report them immediately.

Pregnant or breastfeeding moms should discuss Reglan with their doctor because it crosses the placenta and appears in breast milk. While some doctors still prescribe it for morning sickness when other options fail, they’ll weigh benefits against potential risks carefully.

If you’re on other meds, check for interactions. Reglan can affect how drugs like antidepressants, antipsychotics, or certain antibiotics work, sometimes making side effects worse. A quick chat with your pharmacist can clear up any confusion before you start the regimen.

Storing Reglan is simple – keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next one; don’t double up.

Bottom line: Reglan can be a lifesaver when nausea or slow stomach emptying is ruining your day, but using it wisely matters. Follow your doctor’s dosing schedule, watch for any odd sensations, and never exceed the recommended treatment length without medical guidance.