R R

What Is Reglan?

Reglan is a prescription medication containing metoclopramide hydrochloride, a gastrointestinal prokinetic and antiemetic agent. Reglan tablets are approved for certain adults with persistent gastroesophageal reflux symptoms that have not responded to conventional treatment and for symptoms of acute or recurrent diabetic gastroparesis. Metoclopramide increases movement through parts of the upper digestive tract and affects dopamine signaling involved in nausea and vomiting. Reglan carries a boxed warning for tardive dyskinesia, a potentially irreversible movement disorder. Treatment duration should be limited and reassessed regularly. Reglan tablets are not recommended for pediatric patients because of neurological and other safety risks.

Link to This Resource Page

Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.

To display this...

What Is Reglan?

Reglan is a prescription medication containing metoclopramide hydrochloride, a gastrointestinal prokinetic and antiemetic agent. Reglan tablets are approved for certain adults with persistent gastroesophageal reflux symptoms that have not responded to conventional treatment and for symptoms of acute or recurrent diabetic gastroparesis. Metoclopramide increases movement through parts of the upper digestive tract and affects dopamine signaling involved in nausea and vomiting. Reglan carries a boxed warning for tardive dyskinesia, a potentially irreversible movement disorder. Treatment duration should be limited and reassessed regularly. Reglan tablets are not recommended for pediatric patients because of neurological and other safety risks.

read more about reglan ...

Copy this HTML:

Copy HTML Copied!

How Does Reglan Work?

Reglan blocks dopamine D2 receptors and influences serotonin-related pathways involved in gastrointestinal motility. These actions increase contractions in the upper digestive tract, improve gastric emptying, and increase lower esophageal sphincter tone. This can help move stomach contents into the small intestine and reduce selected symptoms associated with delayed gastric emptying or reflux. Dopamine receptor blockade also contributes to its anti-nausea effects. The same neurological activity can cause involuntary movements, restlessness, and other extrapyramidal adverse effects. Reglan improves certain digestive functions but does not permanently correct every underlying cause of delayed gastric emptying.

What Conditions Does Reglan Treat?

Reglan tablets are approved for adults with symptomatic, documented gastroesophageal reflux who have not responded to conventional treatment. They are also approved to relieve symptoms of acute and recurrent diabetic gastroparesis, a condition involving delayed stomach emptying associated with diabetes. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, early fullness, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Reglan is not recommended for pediatric use and should not be administered when stimulating gastrointestinal movement could be dangerous, such as in mechanical obstruction, perforation, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Clinicians consider neurological history, kidney function, interacting medications, and the duration of treatment before prescribing it.

How Should Reglan Be Taken?

Reglan tablets are taken orally, with schedules depending on the condition. Adults with persistent documented reflux may receive 10 mg to 15 mg approximately 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime, up to 60 mg daily, for four to 12 weeks. For diabetic gastroparesis, the usual adult dose is 10 mg four times daily before meals and at bedtime, with a maximum of 40 mg daily. Lower doses are recommended for certain patients with kidney or liver impairment, older adults, and people with specific medication interactions. Treatment should be as short as medically appropriate. Use beyond 12 weeks is generally avoided because prolonged exposure increases tardive dyskinesia risk.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Reglan?

Common adverse effects include restlessness, fatigue, drowsiness, diarrhea, and dizziness. Reglan carries a boxed warning for tardive dyskinesia, which causes involuntary movements that may persist after treatment stops. Other serious neurological effects include acute dystonia, parkinsonism, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and depression with suicidal thoughts. Metoclopramide can also cause hormonal changes, including elevated prolactin levels. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of tardive dyskinesia or dystonic reactions to metoclopramide and in patients with epilepsy or certain gastrointestinal conditions. Uncontrolled facial movements, muscle spasms, fever with stiffness, or severe mood changes require prompt medical attention.

Common Questions About Reglan

Is Reglan the same as metoclopramide?

Yes. Reglan is a brand name for metoclopramide, a medication that increases upper gastrointestinal motility and has anti-nausea effects.

Can Reglan treat diabetic gastroparesis?

Yes. Reglan tablets are approved to relieve symptoms of acute and recurrent diabetic gastroparesis in adults.

Why is Reglan generally limited to 12 weeks?

Longer exposure increases the risk of tardive dyskinesia, a potentially irreversible movement disorder. Treatment should be as short as medically appropriate.

Can Reglan cause involuntary movements?

Yes. Metoclopramide can cause muscle spasms, restlessness, and tardive dyskinesia. Patients should contact their clinician promptly if unusual movements develop.

References

DailyMed - REGLAN (metoclopramide hydrochloride) tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=de55c133-eb08-4a35-91a2-5dc093027397. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Metoclopramide. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548630/. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Metoclopramide. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684035.html. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Metoclopramide. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Metoclopramide. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Metoclopramide. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519517/. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.