Dopamine antagonist anti-sickness medicines
Also known as: dopamine antagonist antiemetics, prokinetic antiemetics
Dopamine antagonist anti-sickness medicines are used to treat nausea and vomiting, and metoclopramide is the member covered on this site. The MHRA has restricted metoclopramide to short-term use because of the risk of serious neurological side effects. The NHS says metoclopramide is usually taken for a short time. MedlinePlus, a US source, also describes its use for slowed stomach emptying and for reflux symptoms.
- Also called
- dopamine antagonist antiemetics, prokinetic antiemetics
Mechanism of action
Metoclopramide is grouped with domperidone in NHS formularies. StatPearls describes metoclopramide as blocking dopamine-2 receptors, including in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the brainstem.
Members of the class
Members with a page on this site are linked.
Conditions treated
Class effects
- Drowsiness, low mood or depression, and diarrhoea are listed by the NHS as common side effects.
- Dizziness
- Uncontrollable movements such as tics, tremors, muscle stiffness and spasms
Cautions
- The MHRA says the risk of acute neurological effects is higher in children than in adults, and that in children aged 1 to 18 it is only a second-line option.
- Epilepsy and Parkinson's disease are listed by the NHS as conditions where metoclopramide may not suit someone.
- The NHS asks people taking Parkinson's disease medicines, drowsiness-causing medicines or other anti-sickness medicines to speak to a doctor or pharmacist first.
- The NHS says uncontrollable movements such as tics, tremors, muscle stiffness and spasms are the most common serious side effect of metoclopramide.
- MedlinePlus, a US source, says tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder, may not go away after metoclopramide is stopped. Its injection page adds that the risk rises the longer treatment lasts.
- MedlinePlus also says older adults should not usually take metoclopramide for those uses.
- The NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E straight away after a seizure or fit while taking metoclopramide.
- The NHS advises avoiding alcohol with metoclopramide because it will make a person feel more sleepy.
- StatPearls describes neuroleptic malignant syndrome as a possible complication of metoclopramide, and the NHS says to call 999 if it is suspected.
Class interactions
Open the Drug Interaction Checker
Connected pages in detail
What each linked page on Anatomy Nexus covers, in a line, for Dopamine antagonist anti-sickness medicines.
Conditions
- Migraine A recurrent headache disorder with attacks of moderate to severe throbbing pain, typically one-sided, lasting 4 to 72 hours.
Symptoms
- Nausea The unpleasant sensation of being about to vomit.
- Vomiting Forceful emptying of the stomach through the mouth, a protective reflex run by the brainstem that closes the airway.
Medications
- Metoclopramide Metoclopramide is an anti-sickness medicine used to stop nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick).
Guides and news
- MHRA: domperidone and phaeochromocytoma The MHRA says domperidone is now contraindicated in confirmed or suspected phaeochromocytoma because of a risk of severe hypertension.