Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Metoclopramide as follows:
- Do not take Metoclopramide with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as these products can add to the confusion caused by Metoclopramide. A number of OTC cough medications, antihistamines, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the confusion caused by Metoclopramide and so, must be avoided taking along with Metoclopramide.
- If you are prescribed metoclopramide to manage symptoms of nausea and vomiting or to treat the symptoms of slow stomach emptying due to diabetes, take the medication 30 minutes before the meal time. If you are prescribed metoclopramide to treat symptoms of GERD, it may be taken around the time of the day, when the symptoms of GERD are more prominent.
- Metoclopramide use can result in increased gastrointestinal motility and speed up emptying of the stomach contents. This can sometimes compromise the digestion of food in the stomach, diarrhea, and also interact with absorption of some medications and OTC products, thus influencing their function. If you are being newly started on Metoclopramide, discuss with your physician regarding all your current medications and their safety with Metoclopramide. Also, notify your physician regarding any current Metoclopramide intake, if you are being started on any new medications and discuss their safety with Metoclopramide.
