What are Reglan and metoclopramide and what are they used for?
Reglan/metoclopramide is used to treat reflux-related ailments, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetic gastroparesis, diabetic gastric stasis, nausea and vomiting. They are identical drugs; one being the brand-name (Reglan) and the other being generic (metoclopramide). They work by stimulating movement of the esophagus and the upper gastrointestinal tract. They belong to a class of drugs called dopamine antagonists, which are often used to treat psychosis. Despite the very different uses for the drugs, long-term use of most dopamine antagonists can lead to irreversible involuntary movement disorders such as Tardive Dyskinesia.
