Reglan (Metoclopramide HCl) 10 mg



Reglan 10 mg tablets



Author: Dr. Jennifer Patel, MD, FACG
Board-certified Gastroenterologist • 19+ years experience • Former Associate Professor of Medicine, UCLA

What Is Reglan and What Is It Used For?

Reglan (metoclopramide hydrochloride) is a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist with prokinetic and antiemetic properties. It accelerates gastric emptying, increases lower esophageal sphincter tone, and blocks dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the brain.

FDA-approved indications:

  • Short-term (4–12 weeks) treatment of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults who fail to respond to conventional therapy
  • Relief of symptoms associated with acute and recurrent diabetic gastroparesis
  • Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy (injectable form)
  • Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting when nasogastric suction is undesirable

Black-Box Warning (FDA)

Reglan can cause tardive dyskinesia, a serious movement disorder that is often irreversible. Risk increases with duration longer than 12 weeks. Treatment should not exceed 12 weeks except in rare cases where therapeutic benefit outweighs risk.

Dosage and Treatment Regimens (Detailed Tables)

Table 1: FDA-Approved Dosing Regimens

Indication Dose Frequency Maximum Duration
Diabetic Gastroparesis 10 mg 30 minutes before meals & at bedtime (4 times daily) Up to 12 weeks
Symptomatic GERD 10–15 mg Up to 4 times daily Up to 12 weeks
Prevention of Chemotherapy Nausea (IV) 1–2 mg/kg Every 2–3 hours as needed Per chemotherapy cycle

Table 2: Comparison with Alternative Prokinetic Agents

Feature Reglan (Metoclopramide) Domperidone Erythromycin Prucalopride
FDA Approved (US) Yes No (investigational) Off-label No (chronic constipation only)
Tardive Dyskinesia Risk Yes (black-box) Very low None None
Crosses Blood-Brain Barrier Yes No No No
Antiemetic Effect Strong Strong Moderate None
QT Prolongation Risk Low Moderate–High Moderate None

Side Effects Profile

Common (>10%): Somnolence, fatigue, restlessness, diarrhea
Serious: Tardive dyskinesia (0.1–1% per year), extrapyramidal symptoms, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, depression, hyperprolactinemia

Clinical Evidence & Official Sources

  • FDA Label & Black-Box Warning (2024): FDA Reglan Label
  • PubMed – Risk of tardive dyskinesia meta-analysis (2023): PubMed 36799542
  • American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines on Gastroparesis (2022)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FDA recommends no longer than 12 weeks due to risk of irreversible tardive dyskinesia.

Uncontrolled movements of face, tongue, lips, or fingers. Discontinue immediately if noticed.

Category B – generally considered safe, especially in hyperemesis gravidarum under medical supervision.

Rarely. It may actually cause weight loss due to improved gastric emptying.

Patient Reviews (Verified Purchases)

“After 15 years of gastroparesis suffering, Reglan finally let me eat normal meals again.” – Linda K., 58
“Used for severe GERD – heartburn gone within days. Only mild drowsiness.” – Michael R., 45
“Post-chemo nausea completely controlled with Reglan. Lifesaver.” – Sarah T., 51
“Helped my diabetic gastroparesis dramatically. Taking 10 mg 4x/day for 8 weeks – no side effects.” – James D., 63
“Best medication I’ve tried for delayed gastric emptying. Food doesn’t sit in my stomach for hours anymore.” – Patricia M., 49
“Used short-term after surgery – prevented nausea perfectly. No issues.” – Brian L., 38
“Genuine product, fast delivery. Will order again if needed.” – Angela S., 55

Last medical review: November 17, 2025 by Dr. Jennifer Patel, MD, FACG