NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Metoclopramide

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

A dopamine D2 receptor antagonist and prokinetic agent used for the treatment of GERD, diabetic gastroparesis, and prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and surgery. Metoclopramide enhances upper GI motility and has central antiemetic activity, but carries a risk of tardive dyskinesia with prolonged use.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2016–2024
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

A dopamine D2 receptor antagonist and prokinetic agent used for the treatment of GERD, diabetic gastroparesis, and prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and surgery. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 5–10 mg three to four times daily, 30 minutes before meals; maximum 12 weeks of use recommended (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Acceleration of gastric emptying in gastroparesis5,9
  • Relief of GERD symptoms9,10
  • Prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea3
  • Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting3
What to watch for
  • Drowsiness and fatigue
  • Restlessness and akathisia
  • Tardive dyskinesia (with prolonged use)
  • Known hypersensitivity to metoclopramide1,2
  • GI obstruction, perforation, or hemorrhage

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: acceleration of gastric emptying in gastroparesis, relief of gerd symptoms, prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea. 10 sources indexed (2016–2024), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Blocks dopamine D2 receptors centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (antiemetic effect) and peripherally in the GI tract (prokinetic effect). It also enhances the response to acetylcholine in the upper GI tract, increasing gastric contractions, raising lower esophageal sphincter tone, and accelerating gastric emptying. At higher doses, it also antagonizes 5-HT3 receptors.

Class
Prokinetic Antiemetic
Absorption
Best on an empty stomach
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
5–10 mg three to four times daily, 30 minutes before meals; maximum 12 weeks of use recommended (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet, oral solution, or IV/IM injection

Take 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime for gastroparesis

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Drowsiness and fatigue
  • Restlessness and akathisia
  • Tardive dyskinesia (with prolonged use)
  • Extrapyramidal symptoms (dystonia, parkinsonism)
  • Diarrhea
  • Hyperprolactinemia (galactorrhea, gynecomastia, amenorrhea)
  • Depression

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to metoclopramide1,2
  • GI obstruction, perforation, or hemorrhage
  • Pheochromocytoma (may cause hypertensive crisis)
  • Seizure disorder (lowers seizure threshold)
  • Concurrent use with other drugs likely to cause extrapyramidal reactions4,5
  • History of tardive dyskinesia8
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

7

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Metoclopramide, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Metoclopramide?

A dopamine D2 receptor antagonist and prokinetic agent used for the treatment of GERD, diabetic gastroparesis, and prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and surgery. Metoclopramide enhances upper GI motility and has central antiemetic activity, but carries a risk of tardive dyskinesia with prolonged use.

What is Metoclopramide used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Metoclopramide include: Acceleration of gastric emptying in gastroparesis; Relief of GERD symptoms; Prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea; Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Metoclopramide?

A typical adult dose of Metoclopramide is 5–10 mg three to four times daily, 30 minutes before meals; maximum 12 weeks of use recommended (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet, oral solution, or IV/IM injection. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Metoclopramide?

Reported side effects include drowsiness and fatigue, restlessness and akathisia, tardive dyskinesia (with prolonged use), extrapyramidal symptoms (dystonia, parkinsonism), diarrhea, hyperprolactinemia (galactorrhea, gynecomastia, amenorrhea). This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Metoclopramide?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Metoclopramide in NutriStack.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.