Digestive Health Heartburn Treatment Uses of the Medication Reglan By Sharon Gillson Sharon Gillson is a writer living with and covering GERD and other digestive issues. Learn about our editorial process Sharon Gillson Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Priyanka Chugh, MD on February 06, 2020 linkedin Priyanka Chugh, MD, is board-certified gastroenterologist with a background in internal medicine. She practices with Trinity Health of New England in Waterbury, Connecticut. Learn about our Medical Review Board Priyanka Chugh, MD on February 06, 2020 Print Reglan (Metoclopramide) is a medicine that increases the movements or contractions of the stomach and intestines. When given by injection, it is used to help diagnose certain problems of the stomach and/or intestines. It is also used by injection to prevent the nausea and vomiting that may occur after treatment with anticancer medicines. Hero Images / Getty Images Before Using This Medicine The risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. The following should be discussed with your doctor. Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to metoclopramide, procaine, or procainamide. Also tell your healthcare professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes. Breastfeeding: Metoclopramide passes into the breast milk and may cause unwanted effects in nursing babies. Children: Muscle spasms, especially of jaw, neck, and back, and tic-like (jerky) movements of head and face may be especially likely to occur in children. Premature and full-term infants may develop blood problems if given high doses of metoclopramide. Older adults: Shuffling walk and trembling and shaking of hands may be especially likely to occur in elderly patients after they have taken metoclopramide over a long time. Other medicines: When you are taking metoclopramide, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicine that causes drowsiness). Using these medications with metoclopramide may cause severe drowsiness. Other Medical Problems The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of metoclopramide. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Abdominal or stomach bleeding Asthma High blood pressure Intestinal blockage Mental depression Parkinson's disease—Metoclopramide may make these conditions worse Epilepsy—Metoclopramide may increase the risk of having a seizure Kidney disease (severe)—Higher blood levels of metoclopramide may result, possibly increasing the chance of side effects Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get nutrition tips and advice to make healthy eating easier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit