Generic Metoclopramide

Chemical Name: PROMETHAZINE

Common uses

This medicine is a phenothiazine used to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting, or motion sickness. It may also be used to treat allergies and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Warning: this medicine may cause severe and sometimes fatal breathing problems in children less than 2 years of age. Do not use this medicine in children under 2 years old. Use caution when giving this medicine to children over 2 years old. Do not give this medicine with any other medicines that can cause breathing problems. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Do not take this medicine if you are also taking bromocriptine, pergolide, astemizole, terfenadine, or cisapride. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking haloperidol, levodopa, lithium, meperidine, methyldopa, tramadol, barbiturates (such as phenobarbital), MAOI medicines (such as furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, or tranylcypromine), tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline), narcotic pain medicines, or certain medicines for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril or captopril).

You may need to be monitored if you are taking certain other medicines that cause drowsiness. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if you are taking any of these medicines. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including seizures, lung problems (such as COPD), trouble breathing while asleep (apnea), certain types of glaucoma (narrow-angle), prostate problems, certain urinary problems (bladder neck obstruction), heart problems, blood pressure problems, blood problems (including porphyria), liver problems, certain types of stomach problems (pyloroduodenal obstruction), certain types of stomach ulcers (stenosing peptic ulcer), bone marrow problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

This medicine should not be used to treat asthma or certain other breathing problems, or in children who have symptoms of Reye's Syndrome. If you are unsure of the symptoms of Reye's Syndrome, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use this medicine in patients who are unconscious or are in a coma. Use of this medicine in children under age 2 is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine is sometimes used at home as an injection. If you are using this medicine at home, a healthcare professional will provide detailed instructions for its appropriate use. Ask any questions that you may have about this medicine or giving injections.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.

If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are using it regularly, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. If you have had a severe allergic reaction to a sulfite medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfite medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist. If you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Do not exceed the recommended dose or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. This medicine may affect some laboratory tests. Make sure your doctors, nurses, and laboratory technicians know you are using this medicine. Because this medicine may interact with certain diagnostic and anesthetic medicines, before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your doctor. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.

This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heatstroke may occur.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this medicine in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

If you have diabetes, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, nausea, or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience yellowing of the eyes/skin; unusual or involuntary muscle twitching or movements; unusual tendency to burn in the sun; or pain, swelling, burning, or redness at the injection site.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fever; mental or mood changes; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; confusion; hallucinations; seizure; swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include shortness of breath, trouble breathing, dry mouth, unusual or severe drowsiness or restlessness, severe dizziness, flushing, nightmares, dilated pupils, loss of consciousness, and seizures.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when it is full.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.