Anti-sicknessPrescription only
Metoclopramide
Tablet or injection
Quick Summary
Metoclopramide blocks dopamine and helps the stomach empty.
Nausea and vomiting
Slow stomach emptying
Medical Uses
Nausea and vomiting: Short-term, including migraine-related.
Slow stomach emptying: Some cases.
How it's taken
Use only for a few days, as prescribed.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Drowsiness
Or restlessness.
Movement problems
Involuntary movements, especially in young people.
Diarrhoea
Sometimes.
Interactions
Antipsychotics
Increase movement side effects.
Levodopa
Opposing effects.
Critical Warnings
Involuntary movements
Black Box Warning: Stop and seek help for muscle spasms of face, neck or eyes.
Short-term only
Not for long-term use.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Metoclopramide: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Metoclopramide: an anti-sickness medicine(opens in a new tab) · NHS