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METOZOLV ODT
(metoclopramide hydrochloride) Orally Disintegrating Tablets
WARNING: TARDIVE DYSKINESIA
Treatment with metoclopramide can cause tardive dyskinesia, a serious movement disorder that is often irreversible. The risk of developing tardive dyskinesia increases with duration of treatment and total cumulative dose.
Metoclopramide therapy should be discontinued in patients who develop signs or symptoms of tardive dyskinesia. There is no known treatment for tardive dyskinesia. In some patients, symptoms may lessen or resolve after metoclopramide treatment is stopped.
Treatment with metoclopramide for longer than 12 weeks should be avoided in all but rare cases where therapeutic benefit is thought to outweigh the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
METOZOLV ODT is an orally disintegrating tablet formulation of metoclopramide hydrochloride. The 5 mg strength is a round white tablet debossed on one side with a "5" and plain on the other side; it is comprised of 5 mg metoclopramide (as 5.91 mg of metoclopramide hydrochloride ) with gelatin, mannitol, mint flavoring, and Acesulfame K (artificial sweetener). The 10 mg strength is a round white tablet debossed on one side with a "10" and plain on the other side; it is comprised of 10 mg metoclopramide (as 11.82 mg of metoclopramide hydrochloride) with gelatin, mannitol, mint flavoring, and Acesulfame K.
The active ingredient, metoclopramide hydrochloride, is a white crystalline, odorless substance, freely soluble in water. Chemically, it is 4-amino-5-chloro-N-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-2-methoxy benzamide monohydrochloride monohydrate. Its molecular formula is C14H22ClN3O2•HCl•H2O. Its molecular weight is 354.3. The structural formula is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1
 |
METOZOLV ODT includes the following inactive ingredients: gelatin, mannitol, mint flavoring, Acesulfame potassium (artificial sweetener), and trace amounts of sodium chloride and sodium hydroxide.
METOZOLV® ODT is indicated in adults for the:
METOZOLV ODT is not recommended for use in pediatric patients due to the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia (TD) and other extrapyramidal symptoms and the risk of methemoglobinemia in neonates [see Use In Specific Populations]
METOZOLV ODT may be administered continuously or intermittently in patients with symptomatic GERD who fail to respond to conventional therapy:
The recommended adult dosage of METOZOLV ODT is 10 to 15 mg four times daily for 4 to 12 weeks. The treatment duration is determined by endoscopic response. Administer the dosage thirty minutes before each meal and at bedtime. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 60 mg.
Table 1 displays the recommended daily dosage and maximum daily dosage for adults and dosage adjustments for patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C), in patients with creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/minute, in cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) poor metabolizers, and with concomitant use with strong CYP2D6 inhibitors.
If symptoms only occur intermittently or at specific times of the day, administer METOZOLV ODT in single dose up to 20 mg prior to the provoking situation. Consider dosage reductions for the populations and situations in Table 1 .
Table 1 Recommended METOZOLV ODT Dosage in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux
| Recommended Dosage | Maximum Recommended Daily Dosage | |
| Adult patients | 10 to 15 mg four times daily (thirty minutes before each meal and at bedtime) |
60 mg |
| Mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A) | ||
| Elderly patients1[see Use In Specific Populations] | 5 mg four times daily (thirty minutes before each meal and at bedtime) |
|
| Moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C) [see Use In Specific Populations] | 5 mg four times daily (thirty minutes before each meal and at bedtime), or 10 mg taken three times daily |
30 mg |
| CYP2D6 poor metabolizers [see Use In Specific Populations] | ||
| Concomitant use with strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., quinidine, bupropion,fluoxetine, and paroxetine) [see DRUG INTERACTIONS] | ||
| Moderate or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than or equal to 60 mL/minute) [see Use In Specific Populations] | ||
| Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) including those treated with hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [see Use In Specific Populations] | 5 mg four times daily (thirty minutes before each meal and at bedtime) or 10 mg twice daily |
20 mg |
| 1Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the therapeutic or adverse effects of METOZOLV ODT; therefore, consider a lower starting dosage of 5 mg four times daily with titration to the recommended adult dosage of 10 to 15 mg four times daily based upon response and tolerability. | ||
The recommended adult dosage for the relief of symptoms associated with diabetic gastroparesis (gastric stasis) is 10 mg four times daily for 2 to 8 eight weeks, depending on symptomatic response. Avoid METOZOLV ODT treatment for greater than 12 weeks [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Administer the dosage at least 30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 40 mg.
Table 2 displays the recommended daily dosage and maximum daily dosage for adults and dosage adjustments for patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C), in patients with creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/minute, in cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) poor metabolizers, and with concomitant use with strong CYP2D6 inhibitors.
If patients with diabetic gastroparesis have severe nausea or vomiting and are unable to take oral METOZOLV ODT tablets, consider starting therapy with metoclopramide injection given intramuscularly or intravenously for up to 10 days (see the prescribing information for metoclopramide injection). After patients are able to take oral therapy, switch to METOZOLV ODT tablets.
Table 2 Recommended METOZOLV ODT Dosage in Patients with Acute and Recurrent Diabetic
Gastroparesis
| Recommended Dosage | Maximum Recommended Daily Dosage | |
| Adult patients | 10 mg four times daily (thirty minutes before each meal and at bedtime) |
40 mg |
| Mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A) | ||
| Elderly patients [see Use In Specific Populations] | 5 mg1 four times daily (thirty minutes before each meal and at bedtime) |
|
| Moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C) [see Use In Specific Populations] | 5 mg four times daily (thirty minutes before each meal and at bedtime) |
20 mg |
| CYP2D6 poor metabolizers [see Use In Specific Populations] | ||
| Concomitant use with strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., quinidine, bupropion, fluoxetine, and paroxetine) [see DRUG INTERACTIONS] | ||
| Moderate or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than or equal to 60 mL/minute) [see Use In Specific Populations] | ||
| Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) including those treated with hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [see Use In Specific Populations] | 5 mg twice daily | 10 mg |
| 1 Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the therapeutic or adverse effects of METOZOLV ODT; therefore, consider a lower dosage of 5 mg four times daily with titration to the recommended adult dosage of 10 mg four times daily based upon response and tolerability. | ||
5 mg Tablets: white, round debossed with "5" on one side and plain on the other side containing 5 mg metoclopramide. Available in blister pack with 10 tablets individually sealed in a foil-backed unit-dose container; a carton contains 10 cards (NDC 65649-431-02).
10 mg Tablets: white, round debossed with "10" on one side and plain on the other side containing 10 mg metoclopramide. Available in blister pack with 10 tablets individually sealed in a foil-backed unit-dose container; a carton contains 10 cards (NDC 65649-432-02).
Store at controlled room temperature, between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F).
Manufactured by: Catalent UK Swindon Zydis Limited Swindon, UK. Revised: Feb 2019
The following adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections of the labeling:
The following adverse reactions have been identified from clinical studies or postmarketing reports of metoclopramide. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
The most common adverse reactions (in approximately 10% of patients receiving 10 mg of metoclopramide four times daily) were restlessness, drowsiness, fatigue, and lassitude. In general, the incidence of adverse reactions correlated with the dosage and duration of metoclopramide administration.
Adverse reactions, especially those involving the nervous system, occurred after stopping metoclopramide including dizziness, nervousness, and headaches.
Endocrine Disorders: Fluid retention secondary to transient elevation of aldosterone. Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, impotence secondary to hyperprolactinemia
Cardiovascular Disorders: Acute congestive heart failure, possible atrioventricular block, hypotension, hypertension, supraventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, fluid retention
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Nausea, bowel disturbances (primarily diarrhea)
Hepatic Disorders: Hepatotoxicity, characterized by, e.g., jaundice and altered liver function tests, when metoclopramide was administered with other drugs with known hepatotoxic potential
Renal and Urinary Disorders: Urinary frequency, urinary incontinence
Hematologic Disorders: Agranulocytosis, neutropenia, leukopenia, methemoglobinemia, sulfhemoglobinemia
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Bronchospasm (especially in patients with a history of asthma), urticaria; rash; angioedema, including glossal or laryngeal edema
Eye Disorders: Visual disturbances
Metabolism Disorders: Porphyria
Table 3 displays the effects of other drugs on metoclopramide.
Table 3 Effects of Other Drugs on Metoclopramide
| Antipsychotics | |
| Clinical Impact | Potential for additive effects, including increased frequency and severity of tardive dyskinesia (TD), other extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). |
| Intervention | Avoid concomitant use [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. |
| Strong CYP2D6 Inhibitors, not Included in Antipsychotic Category Above | |
| Clinical Impact | Increased plasma concentrations of metoclopramide; risk of exacerbation of extrapyramidal symptoms [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. |
| Intervention | Reduce the METOZOLV ODT dosage [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. |
| Examples | quinidine, bupropion, fluoxetine, and paroxetine |
| Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors | |
| Clinical Impact | Increased risk of hypertension [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. |
| Intervention | Avoid concomitant use. |
| Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants | |
| Clinical Impact | Increased risk of CNS depression [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. |
| Intervention | Avoid METOZOLV ODT or the interacting drug, depending on the importance of the drug to the patient. |
| Examples | alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, opiates and anxiolytics. |
| Drugs that Impair Gastrointestinal Motility | |
| Clinical Impact | Decreased systemic absorption of metoclopramide. |
| Intervention | Monitor for reduced therapeutic effect. |
| Examples | antiperistaltic antidiarrheal drugs, anticholinergic drugs, and opiates. |
| Dopaminergic Agonists and Other Drugs that Increase Dopamine Concentrations | |
| Clinical Impact | Decreased therapeutic effect of metoclopramide, a D2 antagonist, due to opposing effects on dopamine. |
| Intervention | Monitor for reduced therapeutic effect. |
| Examples | Apomorphine, bromocriptine, cabergoline, levodopa, pramipexole, ropinirole, and rotigotine |
Table 4 displays the effects of metoclopramide on other drugs.
Table 4 Effects of Metoclopramide on Other Drugs
| Dopaminergic Agonists and Other Drugs that Increase Dopamine Concentrations: | |
| Clinical Impact | Opposing effects of metoclopramide and the interacting drug on dopamine. Potential exacerbation of symptoms (e.g., parkinsonian symptoms). |
| Intervention | Avoid concomitant use [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. |
| Examples | Apomorphine, bromocriptine, cabergoline, levodopa, pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine. |
| Succinylcholine, Mivacurium: | |
| Clinical Impact | Metoclopramide inhibits plasma cholinesterase leading to enhanced neuromuscular blockade. |
| Intervention | Monitor for signs and symptoms of prolonged neuromuscular blockade. |
| Drugs with Absorption Altered due to Increased Gastrointestinal Motility: | |
| Clinical Impact | The effect of metoclopramide on other drugs is variable. Increased gastrointestinal (GI) motility by metoclopramide may impact absorption of other drugs leading to decreased or increased drug exposure. |
| Intervention | Drugs with Decreased Absorption (e.g., digoxin, atovaquone, posaconazole oral suspension*, fosfomycin): Monitor for reduced therapeutic effect of the interacting drug. For digoxin monitor therapeutic drug concentrations and increase the digoxin dose as needed (see prescribing information for digoxin). |
| Drugs with Increased Absorption (e.g., sirolimus, tacrolimus, cyclosporine):Monitor therapeutic drug concentrations and adjust the dose as needed. See prescribing information for the interacting drug. | |
| Insulin | |
| Clinical Impact | Increased GI motility by metoclopramide may increase delivery of food to the intestines and increase blood glucose. |
| Intervention | Monitor blood glucose and adjust insulin dosage regimen as needed. |
| * Interaction does not apply to posaconazole delayed-release tablets | |
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Metoclopramide can cause tardive dyskinesia (TD), a potentially irreversible and disfiguring disorder characterized by involuntary movements of the face or tongue, and sometimes of the trunk and/or extremities. Movements may be choreoathetoic in appearance. The risk of developing TD and the likelihood that TD will become irreversible increases with the duration of treatment and total cumulative dosage. An analysis of utilization patterns showed that about 20% of patients who used metoclopramide took it for longer than 12 weeks. Treatment with metoclopramide for longer than the recommended 12 weeks should be avoided in all but rare cases where therapeutic benefit is thought to outweigh the risk of developing TD.
Additionally, the risk of developing TD is increased among the elderly, especially elderly women [see Use In Specific Populations], and in patients with diabetes mellitus. Due to the risk of developing TD, avoid treatment with METOZOLV ODT for longer than 12 weeks and reduce the dosage in elderly patients [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Discontinue METOZOLV ODT immediately in patients who develop signs and symptoms of TD. There is no known effective treatment for established cases of TD, although in some patients TD may remit, partially or completely, within several weeks to months after METOZOLV ODT is withdrawn.
METOZOLV ODT itself may suppress, or partially suppress, the signs of TD, thereby masking the underlying disease process. The effect of this symptomatic suppression upon the long-term course of TD is unknown. METOZOLV ODT is contraindicated in patients with a history of TD [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Avoid METOZOLV ODT in patients receiving other drugs that can cause TD (e.g., antipsychotics).
In addition to TD, metoclopramide may cause other extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), parkinsonian symptoms, and motor restlessness. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if such symptoms occur and to discontinue METOZOLV ODT.
Metoclopramide may cause a potentially fatal symptom complex called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). NMS has been reported in association with metoclopramide overdosage and concomitant treatment with another drug associated with NMS. Avoid METOZOLV ODT in patients receiving other drugs associated with NMS, including typical and atypical antipsychotics.
Clinical manifestations of NMS include hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and manifestations of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis and cardiac arrhythmias). Additional signs may include elevated creatine phosphokinase, myoglobinuria (rhabdomyolysis), and acute renal failure. Patients with such symptoms should be evaluated immediately.
In the diagnostic evaluation, consider the presence of other serious medical illness (e.g., pneumonia, systemic infection) and untreated or inadequately treated extrapyramidal signs and symptoms. Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include central anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, malignant hyperthermia, drug fever, serotonin syndrome and primary central nervous system pathology.
Management of NMS includes:
Depression has occurred in metoclopramide-treated patients with and without a history of depression. Symptoms have included suicidal ideation and suicide. Avoid METOZOLV ODT use in patients with a history of depression.
Metoclopramide may elevate blood pressure. In one study in hypertensive patients, intravenously administered metoclopramide was shown to release catecholamines; hence, avoid use in patients with hypertension or in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
There are also clinical reports of hypertensive crises in some patients with undiagnosed pheochromocytoma. METOZOLV ODT is contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma or other catecholamine-releasing paragangliomas [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Discontinue METOZOLV ODT in any patient with a rapid rise in blood pressure.
Because metoclopramide produces a transient increase in plasma aldosterone, patients with cirrhosis or congestive heart failure may be at risk of developing fluid retention and volume overload. Discontinue METOZOLV ODT if any of these adverse reactions occur.
As with other dopamine D2 antagonists, metoclopramide elevates prolactin levels.
Hyperprolactinemia may suppress hypothalamic GnRH, resulting in reduced pituitary gonadotropin secretion. This, in turn, may inhibit reproductive function by impairing gonadal steroidogenesis in both female and male patients. Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence have been reported with prolactin-elevating drugs, including metoclopramide.
Hyperprolactinemia may potentially stimulate prolactin-dependent breast cancer. However, some clinical studies and epidemiology studies have not shown an association between administration of dopamine D2 antagonists and tumorigenesis in humans [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Metoclopramide may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of hazardous tasks such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Concomitant use of central nervous system (CNS) depressants or drugs associated with EPS may increase this effect (e.g., alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, opiates, and anxiolytics). Avoid METOZOLV ODT or the interacting drug, depending on the importance of the drug to the patient [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Inform patients or their caregivers that METOZOLV ODT can cause serious adverse reactions. Instruct patients to discontinue METOZOLV ODT and contact a healthcare provider immediately if the following serious reactions occur:
Inform patients or their caregivers that concomitant treatment with numerous other medications can precipitate or worsen serious adverse reactions such as tardive dyskinesia or other extrapyramidal reactions, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and CNS depression [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Explain that the prescriber of any other medication must be made aware that the patient is taking METOZOLV ODT.
Inform patients or their caregivers that METOZOLV ODT can cause drowsiness or dizziness, or otherwise impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of hazardous tasks such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Instruct patients to:
A 77-week study was conducted in rats with oral metoclopramide doses up to 40 mg/kg/day (about six times the maximum recommended human dose on body surface area basis). Metoclopramide elevated prolactin levels and the elevation persisted during chronic administration. An increase in mammary neoplasms was found in rodents after chronic administration of metoclopramide [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. In a rat model for assessing the tumor promotion potential, a 2-week oral treatment with metoclopramide at a dose of 260 mg/kg/day (about 35 times the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area) enhanced the tumorigenic effect of N-nitrosodiethylamine.
Metoclopramide was positive in the in vitro Chinese hamster lung cell / HGPRT forward mutation assay for mutagenic effects and the in vitro human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay for clastogenic effects. It was negative in the in vitro Ames mutation assay, the in vitro unscheduled DNA synthesis assay with rat and human hepatocytes and the in vivo rat micronucleus assay.
Metoclopramide at intramuscular doses up to 20 mg/kg/day (about 3 times the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area) was found to have no effect on fertility and reproductive performance of male and female rats.
Published studies, including retrospective cohort studies, national registry studies, and meta-analyses, do not report an increased risk of adverse pregnancy-related outcomes with use of metoclopramide during pregnancy.
There are potential risks to the neonate following exposure in utero to metoclopramide during delivery (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed with oral administration of metoclopramide to pregnant rats and rabbits at exposures about 6 and 12 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
Metoclopramide crosses the placental barrier and may cause extrapyramidal signs and methemoglobinemia in neonates with maternal administration during delivery. Monitor neonates for extrapyramidal signs [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS , Pediatric Use].
Animal Data
Reproduction studies have been performed following administration of oral metoclopramide during organogenesis in pregnant rats at about 6 times the MRHD calculated on body surface area and in pregnant rabbits at about 12 times the MRHD calculated on body surface area. No evidence of adverse developmental effects due to metoclopramide were observed.
Limited published data report the presence of metoclopramide in human milk in variable amounts. Breastfed infants exposed to metoclopramide have experienced gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including intestinal discomfort and increased intestinal gas formation (see Data). Metoclopramide elevates prolactin levels [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]; however, the published data are not adequate to support drug effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for METOZOLV ODT and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from METOZOLV ODT or from the underlying maternal condition.
Monitor breastfeeding neonates because metoclopramide may cause extrapyramidal signs (dystonias) and methemoglobinemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS , Pediatric Use].
In published clinical studies, the estimated amount of metoclopramide received by the breastfed infant was less than 10% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose. In one study, the estimated daily amount of metoclopramide received by infants from breast milk ranged from 6 to 24 mcg/kg/day in early puerperium (3 to 9 days postpartum) and from 1 to 13 mcg/kg/day at 8 to 12 weeks postpartum.
METOZOLV ODT is not recommended for use in pediatric patients due to the risk of tardive dyskinesia (TD) and other extrapyramidal symptoms as well as the risk of methemoglobinemia in neonates. The safety and effectiveness of METOZOLV ODT in pediatric patients have not been established.
Dystonias and other extrapyramidal reactions associated with metoclopramide are more common in the pediatric patients than in adults [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. In addition, neonates have reduced levels of NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase, making them more susceptible to methemoglobinemia, a possible side effect of metoclopramide use in neonates [see NADH-Cytochrome b5 Reductase Deficiency].
Metoclopramide is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions, including tardive dyskinesia (TD), may be greater in patients with impaired renal function [see Use In Specific Populations , CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function and may be more sensitive to the therapeutic or adverse effects of metoclopramide; therefore, consider a reduced dosage of METOZOLOV ODT in elderly patients [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION , WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The clearance of metoclopramide is decreased and the systemic exposure is increased in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment compared to patients with normal renal function, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions. Reduce the METOZOLV ODT dosage in patients with moderate and severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than or equal to 60 mL/minute), including those receiving hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION , CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) have reduced systemic metoclopramide clearance (by approximately 50%) compared to patients with normal hepatic function. The resulting increase in metoclopramide blood concentrations increases the risk of adverse reactions. There are no pharmacokinetic data in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B). Reduce METOZOLV ODT dosage in patients with moderate or severe (Child-Pugh B or C) hepatic impairment [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. There is no dosage adjustment required for patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A).
In addition, metoclopramide, by producing a transient increase in plasma aldosterone, may increase the risk of fluid retention in patients with hepatic impairment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Monitor patients with hepatic impairment for the occurrence of fluid retention and volume overload.
Metoclopramide-treated patients with NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency are at an increased risk of developing methemoglobinemia and/or sulfhemoglobinemia. For patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency the metoclopramide-induced methemoglobinemia, methylene blue treatment is not recommended. Methylene blue may cause hemolytic anemia in patients with G6PD deficiency, which may be fatal [see OVERDOSE].
Metoclopramide is a substrate of CYP2D6. The elimination of metoclopramide may be slowed in patients who are CYP2D6 poor metabolizers (compared to patients who are CYP2D6 intermediate, extensive, or ultra-rapid metabolizers); possibly increasing the risk of dystonic and other adverse reactions to METOZOLV ODT [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Reduce the METOZOLV ODT dosage in patients who are poor CYP2D6 metabolizers [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Manifestations of metoclopramide overdosage included drowsiness, disorientation, extrapyramidal reactions, other adverse reactions associated with metoclopramide use (including, e.g., methemoglobinemia), and sometimes death. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) has been reported in association with metoclopramide overdose and concomitant treatment with another drug associated with NMS [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
There are no specific antidotes for METOZOLV ODT overdosage. If over-exposure occurs, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for current information on the management of poisoning or overdosage.
Methemoglobinemia can be reversed by the intravenous administration of methylene blue. However, methylene blue may cause hemolytic anemia in patients with G6PD deficiency, which may be fatal.
METOZOLV ODT is contraindicated:
Metoclopramide stimulates motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract without stimulating gastric, biliary, or pancreatic secretions. The exact mechanism of action of metoclopramide in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and acute and recurrent diabetic gastroparesis has not been fully established. It seems to sensitize tissues to the action of acetylcholine. The effect of metoclopramide on motility is not dependent on intact vagal innervation, but it can be abolished by anticholinergic drugs.
Metoclopramide increases the tone and amplitude of gastric (especially antral) contractions, relaxes the pyloric sphincter and the duodenal bulb, and increases peristalsis of the duodenum and jejunum resulting in accelerated gastric emptying and intestinal transit. It increases the resting tone of the lower esophageal sphincter. It has little, if any, effect on the motility of the colon or gallbladder.
In patients with gastroesophageal reflux and low lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), single oral doses of Reglan produced dose-related increases in LESP. Effects began at about 5 mg and increased through 20 mg. The increase in LESP from a 5 mg dose lasted about 45 minutes and that of 20 mg lasted between 2 and 3 hours. Increased rate of stomach emptying was observed with single oral doses of 10 mg.
Unless otherwise specified the PK of metoclopramide described below was obtained using other oral formulations of metoclopramide.
Relative to an intravenous dose of 20 mg, the absolute oral bioavailability of metoclopramide was 80% ± 15.5% as demonstrated in a crossover study of 18 subjects.
Following METOZOLV ODT tablet administration, the time reported between placing the tablet on the tongue and it completely disintegrated into fine particles was approximately one minute (with a range of 10 seconds to 14 minutes) in two clinical trials (N = 96) with a mean ± SD being 77 ± 111 seconds and a median of 54 seconds [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Peak plasma concentrations occurred at about 1 to 2 hours after a single oral dose. Similar time to peak is observed after individual doses at steady state.
In a single dose study of 12 subjects showed that the area under the drug concentration-time curve increases linearly with doses from 20 to 100 mg of metoclopramide (5 times the maximum recommended single dose of METOZOLV ODT). Cmax increased linearly with dose; Tmax remained the same; whole body clearance was unchanged; and the elimination rate remained the same. Linear kinetic processes adequately describe the absorption and elimination of metoclopramide.
The pharmacokinetic characteristics following single oral administration of 10 mg METOZOLV ODT under fasting conditions are shown in Table 5.
Table 5 Mean (± SD) Pharmacokinetic Parameters in Healthy Subjects Following a Single Oral Dose of 10 mg
METOZOLV ODT Under Fasting Conditions
| Treatment | Cmax (ng/mL) | Tmax (h)* | AUC0-inf (ng*h/mL) |
| Single 10 mg METOZOLV ODT (N=41) |
28 ± 7.4 | 2.0 (0.7 to 4.0) | 268 ± 72.6 |
| *presented as median (range). | |||
Effect of Food
When METOZOLV ODT was taken immediately after a high-fat meal (approximately 900 total calories based on the composition being 150 protein calories, 250 carbohydrate calories and 500 fat calories), the Cmax was 17% lower than when taken after an overnight fast. The Tmax increased from about 1.8 hours under fasted conditions to 3 hours when taken immediately after a high-fat meal. The extent of metoclopramide absorbed (area under the curve) was comparable whether METOZOLV ODT was administered with or without food. The clinical relevance of a lower Cmax with a high-fat meal is unknown [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Metoclopramide is not extensively bound to plasma proteins (about 30%). The whole body volume of distribution is high (about 3.5 L/kg) which suggests extensive distribution of drug to the tissues.
The average elimination half-life of metoclopramide in subjects with normal renal function was 5 to 6 hours.
Metabolism
Metoclopramide undergoes enzymatic metabolism via oxidation as well as glucuronide and sulfate conjugation reactions in the liver. Monodeethylmetoclopramide, a major oxidative metabolite, is formed primarily by CYP2D6, an enzyme subject to genetic variability [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION , Use In Specific Populations].
Excretion
Approximately 85% of the radioactivity of an orally administered dose appears in the urine within 72 hours. After oral administration of 10 or 20 mg, a mean of 18% and 22% of the dose, respectively, was recovered as free metoclopramide in urine within 36 hours.
In a study of 24 patients with varying degrees of renal impairment (moderate, severe, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis), the systemic exposure (AUC) of metoclopramide in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment was about 2-fold the AUC in subjects with normal renal function. The AUC of metoclopramide in patients with ESRD on dialysis was about 3.5-fold the AUC in subjects with normal renal function [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION , Use In Specific Populations].
In a group of 8 patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C), the average metoclopramide clearance was reduced by approximately 50% compared to patients with normal hepatic function [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION , Use In Specific Populations].
Although in vitro studies suggest that metoclopramide can inhibit CYP2D6, metoclopramide is unlikely to interact with CYP2D6 substrates in vivo at therapeutically relevant concentrations.
In healthy subjects, 20 mg of oral metoclopramide and 60 mg of fluoxetine (a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor) were administered, following prior exposure to 60 mg fluoxetine orally for 8 days. The patients who received concomitant metoclopramide and fluoxetine had a 40% and 90% increase in metoclopramide Cmax and AUC0-∞, respectively, compared to patients who received metoclopramide alone (see Table 6 Metoclopramide Pharmacokinetic Parameters in Healthy Subjects with and without Fluoxetine) [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Table 6 Metoclopramide Pharmacokinetic Parameters in Healthy Subjects with and without Fluoxetine
| Parameter | Metoclopramide alone (mean ± SD) |
Metoclopramide with fluoxetine (mean ± SD) |
| Cmax (ng/mL) | 44 ±15 | 62.7 ± 9.2 |
| AUC0-∞ (ng·h/mL) | 313 ± 113 | 591 ± 140 |
| t1/2 (h) | 5.5 ± 1.1 | 8.5 ± 2.2 |
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