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Reglan |
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What is Reglan and why is it prescribed? Reglan increases the contractions of the stomach and small intestine, helping the passage of food. It is given to treat the symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach does not contract. These symptoms include vomiting, nausea, heartburn, feeling of indigestion, persistent fullness after meals, and appetite loss. Reglan is also used, for short periods, to treat heartburn in people with gastroesophageal reflux disorder. In addition, Reglan is given to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and surgery. Reglan may cause mild to severe depression. If you have suffered from depression in the past, make sure your doctor is aware of it. Reglan may not be the best drug for you. How should you take Reglan? Follow your doctors directions for taking Reglan. Reglan is usually taken 30 minutes before a meal. If you suffer from heartburn that occurs only intermittently or only at certain times of day, your doctor may want you to schedule your Reglan therapy around those times. You will probably take Reglan for only 4 to 12 weeks. Continuous treatment beyond 12 weeks is not recommended. If you have diabetic "lazy stomach" (gastric stasis) that tends to recur, your doctor may want you to take Reglan at the first sign of a recurrence. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Reglan at room temperature. Are there any Reglan side effects? Reglan side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Reglan side effects may include drowsiness, fatigue, and restlessness. Less common or rare Reglan side effects may include breast development in males, confusion, congestive heart failure, continual discharge of milk from the breasts, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fluid retention, frequent urination, hallucinations, headache, high or low blood pressure, high fever, hives, impotence, inability to hold urine, insomnia, menstrual irregularities, nausea, rapid or slow heartbeat, rash, rigid muscles, slow movement, swollen tongue or throat, tremor, vision problems, wheezing, and yellowed eyes and skin. In addition, Reglan may cause symptoms similar to those of Parkinson's disease, such as slow movements, rigidity, tremor, or a mask-like facial appearance. Especially in older people, Reglan may produce tardive dyskinesia. In children and adults under 30, Reglan may cause involuntary movements of the arms and legs, and sometimes loud or labored breathing, usually in the first day or two of treatment. Reglan may cause intense restlessness with associated symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, foot-tapping, pacing, inability to sit still, jitteriness, and insomnia. These symptoms may disappear as your body gets used to Reglan, or if your dosage is reduced. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Reglan? If Reglan is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Reglan with Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Alcoholic beverages, Antispasmodic drugs (such as Bentyl and Pro-Banthine), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Insulin, MAO inhibitor antidepressants (such as Nardil and Parnate), Levodopa (Sinemet), Narcotic painkillers (such as Percocet and Demerol), Sleeping pills (such as Dalmane, Halcion, and Restoril), Tetracycline (Sumycin, others), or Tranquilizers (such as Valium and Xanax). If you take insulin for diabetes, your insulin dosage or dosing schedule may have to be adjusted while you are taking Reglan. Are there any special warnings about Reglan? If you have Parkinson's disease, you should be given Reglan cautiously or not at all, since the drug may make your Parkinson's symptoms worse. Because Reglan may make you drowsy and impair your coordination, you should not drive, climb, or perform hazardous tasks until you know how the medication affects you. Use Reglan with caution if you have high blood pressure. Be careful, too, if you have cirrhosis or congestive heart failure. Under these conditions, Reglan may cause fluid retention and heart problems. If this happens during the first few weeks of Reglan therapy, you'll have to stop taking the drug. |
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