Reglan, also known as Metoclopramide, is what is known as a gastroprokinetic agent and antiemetic. The drug is frequently used in the treatment of vomiting or nausea and is often prescribed for patients suffering from gastroparesis to assist with gastric emptying. It has also been used to treat migraines.

Reglan has been given to treat the nausea and subsequent vomiting that is associated with morphine use, uremia, malignancy, infection, labor, migraines and radiation sickness. It has also been used in combination with acetaminophen or aspirin. Unfortunately, Reglan has proved to be ineffective in relieving nausea due to motion sickness, chemotherapy and postoperative nausea.

Reglan has also been used to inhibit dopamine's action and stimulate lactation in mothers that are having trouble producing a suitable amount of milk for their breastfeeding infant.

Adverse Effects of Reglan

Women in every stage of pregnancy have used Reglan without issue to the unborn child or mother. The drug is excreted in the mother's milk. However, Reglan does have several adverse effects associated with its use, most of which occur after long-term use. Some of the more common side effects are listed below:

• Constipation

• Depression

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Extrapyramidal effects

• Headache

• Hyperprolactinaemia

• Hypertension

• Hypotension

• Focal dystonia

• Lassitude

• Oculogyric crisis

• Restlessness

Reglan has also been associated with some more serious side effects, including:

• Agranulocytosis

• Akathisia

• Aldosteronism (can be fatal)

• Depression/suicidal thoughts

• Jaundice

• Hallucinations

• Hyperaldosteronism

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

• Severe allergic reactions

• Seizures
• Supraventricular tachycardia

• Tardive dyskinesia

Any individual developing any of these serious complications while taking Reglan should immediately seek medical care and be sure to complete any prescribed treatments in order to achieve the best chance possible of recovery. Unfortunately, some of the more serious side effects of Reglan can be chronic and permanent, resulting in many previous Reglan users choosing to file suit against the manufacturer.

The FDA suggests that Reglan only be used as a short term option, preferably under 12 weeks. This is due to the reports that tardive dyskinesia frequently occurs in patients using the drug in excess of three months. This same concern eventually influenced the FDA to require that all metoclopramide manufacturers issue black box warnings for the side effect tardive dyskinesia, noting that this occurs with high dosage or chronic use.

Reglan should not be taken in cases of phaeochromocytoma or a bowel obstruction. In addition, in patients with Parkinson's disease it should be avoided or used cautiously. The same is true for those suffering from clinical depression because the drug can actually worsen the patient's mental state with long-term use.

Reglan is produced by pharmaceutical manufacturer, Schwarz Pharma; however, it is known generically as metoclopramide and has been sold with several different brand names. These include: Degan, which is made by the manufacturer Lek; Primperan and Maxeran, both made by pharmaceutical company Sanofi Aventis; Maxolon, made by manufacturer Shire/Valeant; and Pylomid, made by a company called Bosnalijek.

If you have experienced serious side effects as a result of taking Reglan, a lawyer with experience in the ongoing  Reglan lawsuit can help evaluate your claim at no charge. The  Reglan attorneys at JD Law Group are qualified to review your claim. You can contact them directly via 1-888-736-4248 or by filling out the contact form at the bottom of this page.

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