Common Reglan Dosages And Side Effects

Millions of people have taken Reglan or the generic form Metoclopramide since it debuted nearly thirty years ago. Despite a growing number of cases in which the drug has contributed to devastating side effects such as tardive dyskinesia, it is still being prescribed. Today, patients use Reglan to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chemotherapy-induced nausea, gastric paresis, and other conditions.

To be sure, most side effects have a far greater likelihood of manifesting after taking metoclopramide (the generic form of Reglan) for periods exceeding twelve weeks. However, dosage matters. There are established cases in which patients have developed side effects from taking too many doses, even if they do so before three months have passed.

Below, I'll explain the factors that influence common Reglan dosages. The health of the patient, the condition being treated, and other medications all play a role. I'll also describe the symptoms of overdose.

Factors That Influence Reglan Dosage

Reglan is available in a variety of forms, including tablets, an oral concentrate, and injections (intramuscular or intravenous). Tablets come in 5mg and 10mg strengths; oral concentrate is available in 125 mL and 250 mL; injections come in 2-mL, 10-mL, and 30-mL vials.

When Reglan is prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the dose is typically between 10mg and 15mg. Doctors recommend its use 30 minutes prior to each meal and before going to sleep at night. Patients should not take more than 4 doses per day and should avoid taking Reglan for more than three months.

For diabetic gastroparesis, 10mg doses are recommended. Like GERD treatment, patients should only take up to 4 doses each day, including 30 minutes before each meal and prior to bedtime. However, use of the drug should be limited to only eight weeks and sometimes as few as two weeks.

It's important to note that Reglan can interact with a number of other medications, triggering side effects. For example, antipsychotics are often used to treat schizophrenia. Combining Reglan with antipsychotics can increase the likelihood of developing tardive dyskinesia. Also, if a patient is currently taking diabetic medications, his or her doctor may need to modify the Reglan dosages (and timing) in order to accommodate them. Similarly, Reglan can hamper the effectiveness of medications that treat Parkinson's disease. Dosages may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Symptoms Of Reglan Overdose

Overdosing on Reglan is not uncommon. While dosages can be tightly controlled when administered through injections, tablets and oral concentrate allow more flexibility. Patients will often take more than their doctors prescribe in order to enjoy relief from their symptoms. However, they do so at risk to their health.

The results of an overdose can vary. Taking dosages that are too strong or taking them too frequently can lead to drowsiness or disorientation. Reglan overdose can also lead to involuntary movements, including symptoms related to tardive dyskinesia.

If you are considering Reglan as a treatment path for GERD, diabetic gastroparesis, nausea from chemotherapy, or any other condition, be aware of the risks. They are substantial with chronic use.

Steve Fields is author of this article on Reglan lawsuit. Find more information about Reglan side effects here.