Health Library

Metoclopramide (Into the nose)

Metoclopramide Hydrochloride (met-oh-KLOE-pra-mide hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Relieves symptoms of gastroparesis (slow emptying of the stomach) in patients with diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Gimoti

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Spray

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Take this medicine at least 30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime.
• This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
• To use:
  • Prime the nasal spray bottle before using it for the first time or if it has been 2 weeks since you last used it.
  • To prime, place your index and middle finger on each side of the finger flange and your thumb on the bottom of the bottle. Turning the nozzle away from your face, press down on the flange 10 times until a spray appears. Do not spray into your eyes.
  • Insert the nozzle tip under one of your nostrils, then tilt your head slightly forward so the nozzle tip is aimed away from the center of your nose.
  • Close the other nostril with your other index finger and press down firmly on the flange until it stops moving to deliver a full dose.
  • Release the flange and breathe in gently through the open nostril.
  • Remove the nozzle tip and breathe out slowly through your mouth.
  • After using the nasal spray, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue and put the cap back on.
  • If the nozzle becomes clogged, pull it up from the bottle and soak it in warm water. Do not insert a pin or other sharp object to unblock the nozzle. Dry the nozzle at room temperature then place it back on the bottle.
• This medicine is not for long-term use. Do not use this medicine for longer than 8 weeks. If you are taking any other medicine containing metoclopramide, do not use it for longer than 12 weeks.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose:
  • If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.
  • If you are unsure that the spray entered the nose, do not repeat the dose. Take the next dose at the scheduled time.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Throw away any unused medicine 4 weeks after opening the bottle.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how metoclopramide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Apomorphine, atovaquone, bromocriptine, cabergoline, cyclosporine, digoxin, fosfomycin, insulin, quinidine, levodopa, mivacurium, posaconazole oral liquid, pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine, sirolimus, succinylcholine, tacrolimus
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Medicine for depression (including bupropion, fluoxetine, paroxetine, an MAO inhibitor)
  • Medicine to treat diarrhea
  • Medicine to treat mental illness
  • Medicine to treat Parkinson's disease
  • Narcotic pain medicine
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease (including congestive heart failure), heart rhythm problems, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, high blood pressure, breast cancer, G6PD, or a history of asthma or depression.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Tardive dyskinesia and other movement problems
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a nerve disorder that could be life-threatening)
  • Changes in mood or behavior, including thoughts of suicide
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased levels of prolactin hormone
• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or have trouble with thinking or controlling body movements. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness
• Jerky muscle movement you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Seizures
• Swelling of the breasts, breast soreness, nipple discharge (in both women and men)
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others
• Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control, problems with balance or walking

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Change in or loss of taste
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Nasal discomfort
• Restlessness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping
• Tiredness or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024