Metoclopramide
About
Metoclopramide is an anti-sickness medicine (known as an antiemetic). It's used to help stop you feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) including: after radiotherapy or chemotherapy (treatment for cancer) sickness you may get with a migraine if you've had an operation at the end of life (palliative care) Metoclopramide comes as tablets or a liquid that you swallow. It can also be given as an injection, but this is usually given in hospital or by a member of a care team visiting you at home. It's only available on prescription. For migraines, you can also get metoclopramide combined with the painkillers aspirin (brand name Migramax) or paracetamol (brand name Paramax). These are both prescription only. You'll usually only take metoclopramide for a short time (up to 5 days). The most common side effects are feeling sleepy (drowsy) and diarrhoea. Avoid drinking alcohol with metoclopramide. It will make you feel more sleepy. Metoclopramide tablets and liquid usually start to work after 30 to 60 minutes. Page last reviewed: 9 March 2023 Next review due: 9 March 2026
Key facts
You'll usually only take metoclopramide for a short time (up to 5 days).
The most common side effects are feeling sleepy (drowsy) and diarrhoea.
Avoid drinking alcohol with metoclopramide. It will make you feel more sleepy.
Metoclopramide tablets and liquid usually start to work after 30 to 60 minutes.