Dosages And Reglan Side Effects

by Steve Fields on September 21st, 2009

Millions of people have taken Reglan or the generic form Metoclopramide since it was approved nearly thirty years ago. Despite a growing number of cases in which the drug has contributed to devastating Reglan 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.

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. Currently, no Reglan recall has been announced by the manufacturers, however the FDA did require a stronger warning label due to the increased risk of tardive dyskineia side effects.

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 medication 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 Reglan 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. If you or a loved one has suffered from side effects of Reglan including tardive dyskinesia, please contact us for a review of your legal options including filing a Reglan lawsuit.

We are currently representing patients and families throughout the United States. There are limited times to file a claim and it is important to be aware of these deadlines. Please call and we can help answer any questions you may have related to this litigation.