Metoclopramide (Reglan®) Tablets for Nausea and Gastroparesis

What Metoclopramide Is and How It Works

Metoclopramide is a prescription prokinetic and antiemetic medicine. It is used for short-term treatment of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that is not controlled by standard therapy, and for acute and recurrent diabetic gastroparesis. Tablets are taken by mouth, most often before meals and at bedtime. If you are comparing metoclopramide cost without insurance, we offer clear pricing and US shipping. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba that meets Canadian standards, and our pharmacists review prescriptions before we dispense.

Metoclopramide blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, which helps prevent nausea and vomiting. It also acts as a serotonin 5-HT4 agonist in the gut, which increases gastric motility and speeds gastric emptying. This can reduce nausea, early satiety, and reflux symptoms in selected patients. We also work with licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies so you can access authentic brands and a wide selection at affordable pricing.

In most cases, treatment should be short term. Long-term use increases the risk of tardive dyskinesia. Your prescriber will set the dose and duration based on your condition and risk factors.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s directions on dose and length of therapy. Typical oral dosing patterns include:

• GERD: 10–15 mg up to four times daily, 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime, for 4–12 weeks.
• Diabetic gastroparesis: 10 mg four times daily, 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime, for 2–8 weeks.
• Older adults or those sensitive to side effects may start at lower doses.

Do not exceed the prescribed total daily dose. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.

Missed dose:

• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember.
• Skip the missed dose if it is near the next scheduled dose.
• Do not double doses.

Storage and travel:

• Store tablets at room temperature, 15–25°C, in a dry place away from light.
• Keep in the original container with the label.
• When you travel, pack in your carry-on with a copy of your prescription.
• Avoid heat exposure and moisture.

Prescription is required to purchase metoclopramide from YouDrugstore. Our team can address medication questions during posted office hours.

Benefits and Savings

Metoclopramide can reduce nausea, bloating, early fullness, and heartburn in selected patients. By improving gastric emptying, it may enhance absorption of other oral medicines. For migraines, some clinicians use it to relieve nausea and help pain medicines work faster.

YouDrugstore offers brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices. Many customers see 60–80% savings compared to typical US retail. That can help when paying out of pocket without insurance. You can order online or by phone, and our friendly customer-service chat can help during office hours. Reorder reminders and multi-month supplies can lower the per-month cost in some cases.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects tend to be dose-related and often improve when the dose is reduced or the medicine is stopped.

• Drowsiness, fatigue, or dizziness
• Restlessness, agitation, or insomnia
• Headache
• Diarrhea or nausea

Serious effects can occur. Seek medical help if you notice any of the following:

• Involuntary movements (tardive dyskinesia), tremor, or rigidity
• Acute dystonic reactions (muscle spasms, oculogyric crisis)
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, stiff muscles, confusion)
• Depression or suicidal thoughts
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, trouble breathing)

Do not use metoclopramide if you have a history of tardive dyskinesia or a prior dystonic reaction to metoclopramide. It is contraindicated with gastrointestinal obstruction, perforation, or hemorrhage, and in pheochromocytoma. Use with caution in Parkinson’s disease, seizure disorders, or in children, who are at greater risk of extrapyramidal symptoms.

Drug interactions include antipsychotics and other dopamine antagonists (increased movement-disorder risk), SSRIs/SNRIs/MAOIs (serotonin syndrome risk), alcohol and CNS depressants (sedation), and dopamine agonists (reduced effect). Metoclopramide may alter absorption of digoxin, cyclosporine, and some oral pain medicines. Diabetes treatment may need adjustment as gastric emptying changes. Review your full medication list with your prescriber and pharmacist.

Onset Time

After an oral dose, gastric motility effects often begin within 30–60 minutes. Peak effect is usually around 1–2 hours. Nausea relief for many patients is noticeable within the first few doses, especially for acute symptoms. For conditions like diabetic gastroparesis, several days of steady dosing may be needed for full benefit.

Compare With Alternatives

Domperidone is another prokinetic that blocks dopamine receptors in the gut with less penetration into the brain. It may have a lower risk of central nervous system side effects but carries cardiac warnings. Some patients who cannot tolerate metoclopramide discuss a trial of Domperidone with their prescriber.

For GERD, acid suppression is first-line. Proton pump inhibitors can be used for control of heartburn and mucosal healing. You can learn about dexlansoprazole in our article Dexilant Dexlansoprazole Uses.

For migraine prevention, agents like Topiramate may reduce attack frequency. Metoclopramide is often used at the time of migraine to reduce nausea and improve absorption of acute treatments, not as a preventive medicine itself.

Phenothiazine antiemetics, such as prochlorperazine, are alternatives for nausea in some settings. Ondansetron is a non-dopaminergic option that can be preferred for chemotherapy or postoperative nausea. Your prescriber will match therapy to your diagnosis and risk profile.

Combination Therapy

For GERD, metoclopramide may be used short term along with a PPI or H2 blocker. In diabetic gastroparesis, diet changes and glucose optimization are important. For migraine attacks, metoclopramide is sometimes combined with acetaminophen, NSAIDs, or triptans. Avoid combining it with other dopamine antagonists unless your prescriber recommends it, as this increases side effect risks.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Metoclopramide may suit adults with documented GERD symptoms that persist despite acid suppression, or those with diabetic gastroparesis who need short-term relief of nausea and early fullness. It is not ideal if you have a history of involuntary movements, uncontrolled hypertension with pheochromocytoma, epilepsy, or Parkinson’s disease. Review risks and benefits with your clinician.

To manage costs, ask your prescriber about the lowest effective dose and shortest course. A multi-month supply can reduce the per-month price on some strengths. We can send gentle reorder reminders so you do not run out. If you pay cash, we keep pricing transparent for those buying without insurance.

Explore related conditions to learn more about symptom management, including Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Nausea. For safety topics on other medicines that may interact, see our guides Fluoxetine Side Effects Patient Guide To Safe Use and Abilify Side Effects What To Watch For And How To Manage.

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Authoritative Sources

Review detailed safety and prescribing information in the FDA Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Reglan (metoclopramide) and the Health Canada Drug Product Database entry for metoclopramide.

You can order securely from YouDrugstore, a licensed Canadian pharmacy. Our team ships to the US with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping. Chat support is available during posted office hours if you need help with your order.

This page does not replace your prescriber’s advice. Always follow your prescription label and dosing instructions. Read the patient leaflet that comes with your medication. Contact your healthcare professional if your symptoms worsen or if you have side effects. Keep out of reach of children.