Overview

Reglan is also used for the treatment of heartburn for individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. GERD is an irritation of the esophagus from the backward flow of gastric acid into the esophagus.

Reglan works by blocking dopamine, a natural substance. It hastens the emptying of the stomach and movement of the upper intestines.

Reglan is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Reglan is available in the following forms:

• Tablet
• Disintegrating tablet
• solution

Side Effects

The common side effects of Reglan include:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• trouble sleeping
• tiredness
• headache
• agitation
• diarrhea

Inform your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms will worsen or persist.

Tell your doctor immediately if you have any serious side effects, including:

• mental or mood changes
• inability to keep still
• decreased sexual ability
• muscle spasms
• Parkinson-like symptoms such as shaking
• enlarged or tender breasts
• abnormal breast-milk production
• changes in menstruation in women
• swelling of the hands or feet

Reglan may rarely cause the neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a very serious condition. Get immediate medical help if you experience any of the following: muscle stiffness, fever, sweating, severe confusion, and fast or irregular heartbeat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug occurs very rarely. Get medical help immediately if you experience any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling or itching, trouble breathing, and severe dizziness.

Report to your doctor any other side effects that may be associated with your use of Reglan.

Dosage and Administration

You must read the Medication Guide that comes with your sildenafil medication before you start taking Reglan and every time you get a refill. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about its use.

Reglan must be taken by mouth 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime, usually, 4 times daily or exactly as directed by your doctor. When using the liquid form of the medication, measure carefully the dose by using a measuring device or spoon. Do not use a household spoon as you may not get the correct dose.

When taking the disintegrating tablet, do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until right before your scheduled dose. Make sure to dry your hands before using the medication. Do not use the tablet if it is crumbled or broken. Put the disintegrating tablet immediately on the tongue, allowing it to dissolve completely, then swallow it with saliva. Do not take this medicine with water.

The dosage of Reglan is based on your medical condition, age, response to treatment, and other medications you may be currently taking. Share with your doctor a list of all medications and products that you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.

If your heartburn occurs only at certain times, your doctor may direct you to take a single dose before those times instead of taking it throughout the day. This will reduce the risk of side effects.

Reglan has the risk of tardive dyskinesia, which causes stiff, jerky movements of your face and body that you cannot control such as blinking your eyes, sticking out your tongue, or waving your arms without meaning to do so. Do not take this medication more often, in larger doses, or for longer than what your doctor has directed. The treatment with Reglan should not exceed 12 weeks.

Drug Interaction

Give your doctor a list of all the medications you are currently taking to allow him to check for possible interactions. 

Some products may interact with Reglan, including antipsychotic drugs, dopamine agonists, atovaquone, pramlintide, Fosfomycin, phenothiazines, and rivastigmine.

Reglan causes food and medication to move through your stomach quickly, which may affect the absorption of some drugs. Discuss with your doctor if any of the drugs that you are taking may be affected by Reglan.

Inform your doctor if you are taking products that may cause drowsiness, such as alcohol, antihistamines, drugs for sleep or anxiety, muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers such as codeine.

Warning and Precautions

Before taking Reglan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies. Reglan may contain inactive ingredients that may trigger allergy or other problems.

Share with your doctor your medical history before taking Reglan, especially of the history of muscle disorders, bleeding in the intestines, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart failure, suicidal thoughts, Parkinson’s disease, liver problems, and certain blood enzyme problems.

Reglan may make you drowsy or dizzy. The use of alcohol or marijuana may aggravate your dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any task that requires alertness until you are sure that you can do it safely.

Limit your consumption of alcohol and marijuana use.

Overdose and Contraindications

If an individual has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as trouble breathing or passing out, call emergency medical services right away. If the symptoms of overdose are not life-threatening, call your local poison control center immediately, or immediately call your doctor.

Laboratory and other medical tests may be performed periodically to monitor a person’s progress or check for side effects. 

If you miss a dose of Reglan, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double your dose to catch up with the missed dose.

Clinical Pharmacology

The onset of the pharmacological action of Reglan is 1 to 3 minutes following an intravenous dose, 10 to 15 minutes following intramuscular administration, and 30 to 60 minutes following an oral dose. The pharmacological effects of Reglan persist for 1 to 2 hours. Reglan is rapidly and well-absorbed drug.

Medication Guide

Reglan provides relief to heartburns during the day and after meals. It helps in the healing of ulcers in the esophagus and to relieve symptoms of slow stomach emptying in individuals with diabetes. Reglan helps treat symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, heartburn, feeling full long after a meal, and loss of appetite.