What is Reglan?
Reglan is a prescription medication used to treat heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
This medication is available in tablet and liquid form. It is usually taken 3-4 times a day, with or without food.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Reglan include:
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
dizziness
headache
tiredness
rare but serious side effects include: seizures, irregular heartbeat, and low blood pressure. If you experience any of these side effects, call your doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
Reglan may interact with other medications, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Do not start or stop any medication without first talking to your doctor.
Pregnancy and Reglan
Reglan is not recommended for use during pregnancy. This drug can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
Dosage
The usual starting dose of Reglan is 10-15 mg 3-4 times a day. Your doctor will adjust your dose based on your response to the medication.
Overdose
Symptoms of an overdose may include: seizures, irregular heartbeat, and low blood pressure.
Pharmacokinetics
Reglan is absorbed quickly from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak levels in about 1 hour. It has a half-life of 3-6 hours.
Reglan is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine.
Alternatives to Reglan
There are many alternative medications available to treat heartburn and GERD. Some of these include:
antacids
H2 blockers
proton pump inhibitors
Interactions
Reglan may interact with other medications, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Do not start or stop any medication without first talking to your doctor.
Pregnancy and Reglan
Reglan is not recommended for use during pregnancy. This drug can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
Research
Research suggests that Reglan is effective at treating heartburn and GERD. The usual starting dose is 10-15 mg 3-4 times a day. Side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and tiredness. If you experience any serious side effects, call your doctor immediately. Reglan may interact with other medications, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking before starting this medication. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
Are H2 Blockers more effective than Reglan?
A systematic review evaluating the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and antacids found that PPIs are more effective than H2 blockers or antacids in the treatment of GERD symptoms. However, H2 blockers may be more effective than antacids in alleviating heartburn symptoms. If you are experiencing heartburn or other GERD symptoms, talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.
What are the long-term effects of taking Reglan?
Reglan is generally well-tolerated when taken as directed. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects usually resolve within a few days with continued use of the medication. Rare but serious side effects may include seizures, irregular heartbeat, and low blood pressure. If you experience any of these side effects, call your doctor immediately. Long-term use of Reglan has been associated with tardive dyskinesia, a serious neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle movements. If you experience any involuntary muscle movements while taking this medication, talk to your doctor right away. This condition is more likely to occur in older adults and may be irreversible. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medication before starting treatment.
