DRUG INTERACTIONS
Drug Interactions
The effects of metoclopramide on gastrointestinal
motility are antagonized by anticholinergic drugs and narcotic
analgesics. Additive sedative effects can occur when
metoclopramide is given with alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics,
narcotics, or tranquilizers.
The finding that metoclopramide releases catecholamines
in patients with essential hypertension suggests that it should
be used cautiously, if at all, in patients receiving monoamine
oxidase inhibitors.
Absorption of drugs from the stomach may be diminished
(e.g., digoxin) by metoclopramide, whereas the rate and/or
extent of absorption of drugs from the small bowel may be
increased (e.g., acetaminophen, tetracycline, levodopa, ethanol,
cyclosporine).
Gastroparesis (gastric stasis) may be responsible for
poor diabetic control in some patients. Exogenously administered
insulin may begin to act before food has left the stomach and
lead to hypoglycemia. Because the action of metoclopramide will
influence the delivery of food to the intestines and thus the
rate of absorption, insulin dosage or timing of dosage may
require adjustment.
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