Antiemetic, dopamine-2 receptor blockerMetoclopramide belongs to the class of antiemetics and gastrokinetics and is therefore a drug against nausea. It relieves the feeling of vomiting and nausea by stimulating the movement of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Metoclopramide (MCP) is a so-called dopamine antagonist.
An antagonist is a substance that binds to a specific receptor and blocks it so that the actual messenger substance cannot act. Dopamine is an endogenous messenger substance of the nervous system, which can transmit signals between two neurons and is responsible for controlling mental and physical activities. Dopamine is involved in the following functions: In certain activities, e.g. : when eating, it acts as a happiness hormone.
In addition, dopamine has a property that triggers vomiting, which can be inhibited with the help of antagonists (receptor blockers). There are two types of dopamine receptor blockers: they can hardly cross the blood–brain barrier and thus have little effect on the brain. Metoclopramide (MCP) belongs to the group of drugs that act peripherally, i.e. not in the brain, and only crosses the blood–brain barrier in low concentrations.
Nevertheless, it can have a sedative, antipsychotic effect. MCP also reacts with other receptors. It inhibits the 5-HT3 receptors and activates the 5-HT4 receptors.
Both act on the movement processes of the gastrointestinal tract, so that metoclopramide also promotes the excretion of water and electrolytes.
- Fine motor skills
- Body Movement
- Mental drive
- Concentration
- Pleasure and
- Courage
- Centrally acting dopamine receptor blockers (belonging to the group of psychotropic drugs)
- Peripheral acting dopamine receptor blockers
Metoclopramide (MCP) should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The normal dose for an adult is 3-4 times 36 drops per day.
For teenagers 2-3 times 18-36 drops per day and for children it is calculated based on body weight. In case of impaired liver or kidney function the dose should be adjusted by the doctor. Due to rare but severe neurological and cardiovascular side effects, the EU Commission decided in April 2014 to restrict the use of metoclopramide in its use.
Thus, infants are no longer allowed to receive metoclopramide (MCP) and adults and adolescents should receive it for a maximum of five days. The maximum dose for drops is 1mg/ml, for parenteral preparation (via the vein) the limit is 5 mg/ml and for suppositories a limit of 20 milligrams of the active ingredient content was ordered.
- Duration
- Dosage and its
- Field of application
Metoclopramide (MCP) is an antiemetic drug and is used for the following symptoms: According to the new law, it may no longer be prescribed for gastrointestinal motility disorders or reflux esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus due to acidic belching of the stomach contents), as there was insufficient evidence of clinical efficacy in these cases.
In addition, it may only be prescribed after delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
- Nausea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Movement disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal motility disorders),
- Muscular weakness of the stomach in diabetes mellitus (diabetic gastroparesis).
As with other drugs, metoclopramide (MCP) has contraindications, which makes it impossible to take metoclopramide: children under two years of age are not allowed to take metoclopramide (MCP).
- Hypersensitivity to metoclopramide (MCP) or other ingredients of the drug
- Hormone dependent tumors (prolactin producing tumors)
- Pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal medulla)
- Intestinal obstruction
- Intestinal rupture
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Epilepsy
- Patients in whom the natural movement sequences do not function normally (e.g. Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s chorea, Tourette’s disease)
Under certain circumstances Metoclopramide (MCP) can be taken with caution.
Caution is advised when using it:
- Severe liver or kidney dysfunction: The drug metoclopramide (MCP) is excreted more slowly from the body due to the dysfunction, so the dose of the affected person must be reduced.
- Pregnancy: Metoclopramide (MCP) should not be taken during the first trimester of pregnancy or while breast-feeding. In the other stages of pregnancy it may be taken with the agreement of your doctor.
If you experience any of the following side effects during therapy with Metoclopramide (MCP), you should stop taking the drug and consult a doctor. Common side effects are: Side effects of Metoclopramide (MCP) are rare.
In adults, Parkinson-like symptoms such as muscle tremors, muscle stiffness or lack of movement may occur in rare cases. In children, the so-called dyskinetic syndrome can occur very rarely after taking metoclopramide (MCP). These are involuntary, cramp-like movements of the head and shoulder region.
Other side effects of metoclopramide (MCP) may include
- Swindle
- Tiredness and
- Inner restlessness
- Headaches
- Depression or
- Movement disorders
- Diarrhea
- Be skin rashes
- Increase in prolactin levels (possibly leading to menstrual disorders, reduced libido, gynecomastia and impotence)
If other drugs have been taken or have been taken recently, the treating physician must be informed, as the intake of metoclopramide (MCP) can cause interactions with other drugs. Taking metoclopramide (MCP) can strengthen or prolong the effect of other drugs. These include: The effect of cimetidine or digoxin can be reduced by taking metoclopramide (MCP).
If MCP and neuroleptics or serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), e.g. fluoxetine, are taken at the same time, “extrapyramidal symptoms” may occur more frequently. These include cramping in the head, neck and shoulder area. Coordinated motor movements are no longer possible.
- Levodopa
- Paracetamol®
- Certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, lithium and succinylcholine (causes muscle relaxation)
Interested readers may also find the following topics interesting for further reading: All previously published topics on medications can also be found under Medications A-Z.
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