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Reglan Options

Reglan is the brand name for the drug also known as Metoclopramide. Reglan has been approved for use with several conditions that cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite and feelings of fullness that last long after meals. Reglan usage comes with several options including an injection and oral formulation. Another option that should be discussed with your health care provider is the duration of Reglan therapy. Reglan needs to be taken under the guidance of a physician.

  1. Injection

    • Reglan injection has been used to relieve symptoms caused by slow stomach emptying in people suffering from diabetes. It can also prevent nausea and vomiting in patients that have experienced chemotherapy or surgery. It works by speeding the movement of food through your stomach and intestines.The injection can be given via a muscle or vein and is obtained in a health care setting.

    Oral

    • When taken orally, Reglan will cause increased muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract. This speeds the rate at which your stomach empties. For this reason it can be used short-term to treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux. It is generally reserved for people who have not found relief from heartburn with other medications. Oral Reglan is available by prescription and can be taken at home.

    Reasons for Use

    • Reglan is often used as a last chance therapy for patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) that have no relief with other medications. It also helps prevent nausea and vomiting in patients at risk for these conditions. However, it is not a long term therapy. Therefore physicians only use it in short term circumstances. Reglan is not for chronic treatment of a disease, but rather short term symptom relief.

    Duration of Therapy

    • In adults, Reglan can be used for 4 to 12 weeks. To prevent nausea, Reglan is given by injection 30 minutes before a procedure like chemotherapy. It is then given once every two hours for two doses followed by once every three hours for three doses. If you miss a dose, simply proceed with your usual dose regiment. Do not take any extra Reglan to make up for the missed dose.

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