Metoclopramide
An antiemetic and prokinetic. 10 mg up to three times a day for a maximum of 5 days. Avoid in bowel obstruction and be careful in young people (dystonia).
On this page
Uses
- Nausea and vomiting, migraine-associated nausea.
Adult dose
10 mg orally, IM or slow IV up to 3 times daily, maximum 30 mg/day for up to 5 days.
Kidney and liver
Reduce in severe kidney or liver impairment.
Side effects and cautions
- Acute dystonia (oculogyric crisis), especially in young women and children; treat with procyclidine or diphenhydramine.
- Avoid in bowel obstruction, Parkinson's disease, phaeochromocytoma.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum duration of metoclopramide?
5 days, at up to 30 mg a day, to reduce the risk of neurological side effects.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Metoclopramide is covered in our textbook chapter Gastrointestinal drugs, with practice MCQs.