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Antiemetic

Metoclopramide

Brand names: Maxolon, Primperan

Metoclopramide is an antiemetic and prokinetic used for nausea and vomiting (including in migraine and some post-operative and chemotherapy settings).

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

A dopamine D2 antagonist with a prokinetic effect on the upper gastrointestinal tract that also acts centrally at the chemoreceptor trigger zone.

Prescribing in practice

  • It can cause acute dystonic reactions and, with prolonged use, tardive dyskinesia — use the lowest dose for the shortest time (generally up to 5 days).
  • The risk of extrapyramidal effects is higher in children, young adults and older people.
  • Avoid in Parkinson's disease, in gastrointestinal obstruction/perforation and after recent GI surgery.

Monitoring

Watch for movement disorders and limit the duration of use.

Counselling the patient

  • Report any abnormal movements, muscle stiffness or restlessness.
  • It is for short-term use only.

Evidence & guidelines

An antiemetic/prokinetic restricted to short courses because of extrapyramidal risk (MHRA/EMA review).

Reference: NICE; EMA Metoclopramide Review 2014; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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