FAQ's: Reglan

What is Reglan?

What is tardive dyskinesia?

Who is most at risk?

What has the FDA said about Reglan?

What is Reglan?

Reglan® (metoclopramide) is a prescription medication commonly used for the short-term treatment of heartburn and acid reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), a condition in which stomach contents backflow into the esophagus. Reglan works by increasing the contractions of the stomach and small intestine, helping with the passage of food. Reglan is also used to treat the symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach does not contract, which include vomiting, nausea, heartburn, feelings of indigestion, persistent fullness after meals, and appetite loss. Reglan is also given to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, surgery, migraines and pregnancy.

Long-term use of Reglan has been linked to a number of serious side effects including tardive dyskinesia, a serious involuntary and repetitive movement disorder that is often irreversible.

What is tardive dyskinesia?

Tardive dyskinesia is a central nervous system disorder that is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the extremities, lip smacking, grimacing, tongue protrusion, rapid eye movements or blinking, puckering and pursing of the lips, impaired movement of the fingers, shaking of hands or feet, abnormal head movements, uncontrolled bodily movements. There is no cure or effective treatment for the condition. However, the symptoms may be reduced or eliminated if the patient stops taking Reglan.

Who is most at risk?

Those at greatest risk include elderly people, especially older women, and people who have been on the drug for a long time.

What has the FDA said about Reglan?

In February 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a public warning about the long-term or high-dose use of Reglan due to concerns about patients developing tardive dyskinesia. The FDA required the makers of Reglan and other metoclopramide drugs to add boxed warnings to the products' labeling about the risks of high-dose use or long-term use of the drugs. The FDA recommended that treatment with metoclopramide not exceed three months.

Read more about Reglan Injuries.