Gastrointestinal Drug Reglan May Interact with Other Medications
By Jim Greene
Published on January 14, 2010
The prescription drug Reglan® (metoclopramide), used to treat a number of gastrointestinal issues and the subject of numerous lawsuits alleging that it causes the neurological disorder tardive dyskinesia, can have significant interactions with other drugs and herbal products.
The primary therapeutic action of Reglan® is to speed the progress of ingested materials through the stomach. Its uses include treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and of nausea and vomiting suffered by chemotherapy patients.
In addition to speeding food through the stomach, Reglan® speeds medication, so that a patient may not get the full benefit of medicines normally absorbed in the stomach, and may need less of medicines normally absorbed in the intestines. Because of this, patients should tell their doctors about all medications they are taking before accepting a prescription for Reglan®.
Some medications, including antihistamines, anticholinergics, and narcotics, may block the therapeutic actions of Reglan®. Drowsiness or dizziness can result from taking Reglan®, so patients are advised to tell their doctors is they are taking other medications that cause these side-effects, or if they consume alcohol, since the combined effects may be dangerous.
Even when interactions are not present, Reglan®, like any drug, may be dangerous if not used according to label instructions. Plaintiffs in personal injury lawsuits allege that the manufacturer was negligent in not sufficiently warning of the potential danger of developing tardive dyskinesia by using Reglan® beyond the recommended four to 12 weeks for which it was tested.
Tardive dyskinesia can cause involuntary motions in victims, including grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, puckering and pursing, rapid eye blinking, and rapid movements of the arms, legs, and torso.
If you took Reglan® or another brand of metoclopramide and developed tardive dyskinesia or any other medical issue, it's very important to obtain the help of an experienced defective products/personal injury attorney. You may be eligible for financial compensation to help pay medical bills, replace lost income, and deal with other issues that may arise.
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