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Antiemetic

Metoclopramide

Brand names: Maxolon, Primperan

Metoclopramide is an antiemetic and prokinetic used for nausea and vomiting (including in migraine and some post-operative and chemotherapy settings).

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Therapy with metoclopramide oral solution should not exceed 12 weeks in duration. For the Relief of Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Administer from 10 mg to 15 mg metoclopramide orally up to 4 times daily 30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime, depending upon symptoms being treated and clinical response (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and INDICATIONS AND USAGE ). If symptoms occur only intermittently or at specific times of the day, use of metoclopramide in single doses up to 20 mg prior to the provoking situation may be preferred rather than continuous treatment. Occasionally, patients (such as elderly patients) who are more sensitive to the therapeutic or …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2025-04-11. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

A dopamine D2 antagonist with a prokinetic effect on the upper gastrointestinal tract that also acts centrally at the chemoreceptor trigger zone.

Prescribing in practice

  • It can cause acute dystonic reactions and, with prolonged use, tardive dyskinesia — use the lowest dose for the shortest time (generally up to 5 days).
  • The risk of extrapyramidal effects is higher in children, young adults and older people.
  • Avoid in Parkinson's disease, in gastrointestinal obstruction/perforation and after recent GI surgery.

Monitoring

Watch for movement disorders and limit the duration of use.

Counselling the patient

  • Report any abnormal movements, muscle stiffness or restlessness.
  • It is for short-term use only.

Evidence & guidelines

An antiemetic/prokinetic restricted to short courses because of extrapyramidal risk (MHRA/EMA review).

Reference: NICE; EMA Metoclopramide Review 2014; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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