How does metoclopramide work?
There's an area in your brain called the vomiting centre, which controls when you feel sick or are sick.
It can be triggered when it receives messages from an area of the brain called the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ).
Metoclopramide works by blocking messages between the CTZ and the vomiting centre. This helps reduce feelings of sickness (nausea) and helps stops vomiting.
How long does it take to work?
Metoclopramide tablets and liquid usually start to work after 30 to 60 minutes.
How does it compare with similar medicines?
Metoclopramide belongs to a group of anti-sickness medicines called anti-emetics.
Anti-emetics work in a similar way to each other.
There are other medicines that can help with sickness. These include domperidone, ondansetron, cyclizine and promethazine.
If metoclopramide is not working for you, ask a doctor or a pharmacist for advice. They may be able to recommend a different medicine
Will it affect my contraception?
Metoclopramide does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill, progestogen-only pill or emergency contraception.
But if you're being sick, or if metoclopramide makes you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.
Check the pill packet to find out what to do.
Find out more:
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Do not drive a car, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery if metoclopramide makes you sleepy, affects your vision, or makes you feel dizzy, clumsy or unable to concentrate or make decisions.
This may be more likely when you first start taking metoclopramide, but could happen at any time (for example, when starting another medicine). It's best to wait until you know how the medicine affects you.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected.
It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking metoclopramide.
Find more information on the law on drugs and driving on GOV.UK.
Can I drink alcohol while taking metoclopramide?
Do not drink alcohol while you're taking metoclopramide.
Alcohol and metoclopramide together can make you sleep very deeply and you may have difficulty waking up. This can be very dangerous.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
Apart from avoiding alcohol, you can eat and drink normally while taking metoclopramide.
Can lifestyle changes help with nausea or vomiting?
There are some lifestyle changes that can help with feeling or being sick. Try to:
- get plenty of fresh air
- listen to music or watch a film to help you relax
- take sips of a cold drink – such as water or squash
- drink ginger or peppermint tea
- eat foods containing ginger – such as ginger biscuits
- eat smaller, more frequent meals
- avoid eating or cooking strong-smelling food
- avoid eating hot, fried or greasy food
- eat more slowly
- avoid having a large drink with your meals
- wait a while to lie down after eating
- wear loose-fitting clothes that are not tight around your waist