What it means
A dopamine blocker that makes the stomach and upper bowel move food along faster. It is used for nausea and vomiting, for diabetic gastroparesis (a slow-emptying stomach) and for reflux. Long use or high doses can cause tardive dyskinesia, involuntary movements of the face and body that may not go away.
For the nurse
Give it 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. Report restlessness, muscle spasms or lip smacking and tongue movements right away. Use beyond 12 weeks is avoided. It can cause drowsiness.
At a glance
| Drug class | prokinetic agent; antiemetic (dopamine antagonist) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Reglan, Gimoti (nasal spray) |
| Also written | Reglan, Gimoti |
Related terms
nausea
An uneasy feeling in the stomach with the urge to vomit.
gastroesophageal reflux disease
A long-term condition in which stomach contents, including acid, flow back up into the esophagus.
prochlorperazine
A phenothiazine drug used mainly to treat severe nausea and vomiting.