General Information on Reglan
Reglan is a medication given for the treatment of heartburn that may occur as a result of gastroesophageal reflux. The generic name of Reglan is metoclopramide, which is a drug that belongs to the group of gastroprokinetic and antiemetic agents.
Reglan works by increasing the muscle contractions around the upper digestive tract. By increasing the contraction of muscles, the stomach’s digestive process speeds up, and the food passes into the intestines quickly.
You may also buy Reglan as part of other medical treatments if the doctor has prescribed it specifically for the treatment of an individual condition.
Side effects of Reglan
Reglan is only meant to be a short term medication. You must not take it for longer than 12 weeks, and you must not take it in dosages that exceed what has been recommended by the manufacturer or prescribed by the doctor. Taking larger doses of Reglan or taking it for a long period of time may result in severe, permanent movement disorders. The signs of such disorders include uncontrollable muscle movements and tremors. The risk of a severe, irreversible movement disorder is greater if Reglan is taken by diabetics, women, and elderly patients.
You must avoid taking Reglan if you have previously suffered from an allergy to metoclopramide or if you suffer from blockage or bleeding in your intestines or stomach. Reglan may not be suitable for you if you suffer from adrenal gland disorder or seizure disorders like epilepsy. You must let your doctor know beforehand if you suffer from kidney problems, high blood pressure, liver disease, Parkinson’s disease, or diabetes.
Mild side effects may occur on taking Reglan, such as reduced urination, changes in menstrual cycle, tenderness or swelling of the breasts, diarrhea, headache, vomiting, restlessness, nausea, dizziness and tiredness. These side effects are only temporary, but your doctor must be notified if they increase in intensity or do not subside even after a long time.
Dosage of Reglan
If you buy Reglan, it must be taken as per the exact dosage recommended or prescribed and for the exact period of time- no more and no less. By taking this drug for long periods of time or in large doses, you increase your risk of suffering from serious and permanent movement disorders.
Reglan must be taken at least 30 minutes before a meal. It is usually taken before each meal and before sleeping at night. If you only have heartburn after certain meals, your doctor may recommend you to take Reglan before such meals.
You may experience signs of withdrawal once you stop taking Reglan. You must inform your doctor if these signs become bothersome.
Interactions
The risk of certain side effects is greater when alcohol is taken while you are on Reglan. You must avoid consuming alcohol while you are taking Reglan. You must also avoid certain medications that may interact with Reglan to cause side effects. Some of these medications include acetaminophen, cyclosporine, digoxin, insulin, mepenzolate, levodopa, MAO inhibitors, bronchodilators, bladder and urinary system medications, and psychiatric disorder medications.
