Like all medicines, metoclopramide can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
These common side effects of metoclopramide happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They're usually mild and go away by themselves. There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Feeling sleepy and a lack of energy
Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery. Do not drink alcohol, as it will make you feel more tired. If these symptoms get worse or last longer than a few days, talk to your doctor.
Low mood
This should pass after a couple of days but if it does not, speak to your doctor as you may need a different type of anti-sickness medicine.
Feeling dizzy or faint (low blood pressure)
If metoclopramide makes you feel dizzy, stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery. Do not drink alcohol, as this can make the symptoms worse. This should get better after a few days as your body gets used to the medicine. Speak to your doctor if the problem does not go away after a couple of days or gets worse.
Diarrhoea
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. If you take contraceptive pills and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.
Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and these side effects bother you or do not go away.
Serious side effects
Some people may have serious side effects when taking metoclopramide, but these are rare.
Stop taking metoclopramide and call your doctor or call 111 now if:
- your muscles or eyes start moving in an unusual or uncontrolled way
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you've had a seizure or fit
Serious allergic reaction
In rare cases, metoclopramide may cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of metoclopramide. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.