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Side Effects of Orally Disintegrating Metoclopramide
Commonly reported orally disintegrating metoclopramide side effects include headache, nausea, and vomiting. Fortunately, most people either have no problems with this drug or experience mild adverse effects that are easily treated. Some reactions to the medication, however, can be quite serious and require prompt medical care. These include extrapyramidal symptoms, seizures, and symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with orally disintegrating metoclopramide (Metozolv™ ODT). However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with orally disintegrating metoclopramide. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Some orally disintegrating metoclopramide side effects, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Depression, which may be accompanied by suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Extrapyramidal symptoms, such as:
- Unusual body, facial, or tongue movements
- Muscle tension or contractions
- Feelings of internal restlessness or jitteriness
- Signs or symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which can include:
- A high fever
- Stiff muscles
- Confusion
- Irregular pulse or blood pressure
- An increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Sweating
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Parkinson's disease symptoms, such as shakiness or tremors
- Signs of hormonal disturbances, such as:
- Breast leakage
- Breast development in men
- Impotence (erectile dysfunction, or ED)
- Absent menstrual periods
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or a slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Signs of congestive heart failure (CHF), such as fluid retention and shortness of breath
- Signs of liver problems, such as yellow eyes or skin (jaundice) or high liver enzymes (found using a blood test)
- Any vision changes (this drug can cause severe and permanent eye damage)
- Blue discoloration of the skin, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath
- Frequent or severe infections
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- An unexplained rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Unexplained swelling (especially of the lips, mouth, or throat)
- Wheezing or other breathing problems.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD