From the Guidelines
Metoclopramide (Reglan) is recommended to be administered at a dose of 5-10 mg, four times a day (QID), 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. This dosing frequency is supported by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for palliative care 1. The guidelines suggest that metoclopramide can be used to treat gastroparesis, and the recommended dose is 5-10 mg PO QID, 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime.
- Key points to consider when administering metoclopramide include:
- The dose may need to be adjusted based on the individual patient's response and medical condition
- Metoclopramide can be used to treat various conditions, including gastroparesis, nausea and vomiting, and gastric outlet obstruction
- The frequency of administration may vary depending on the patient's condition, but QID is a common dosing schedule 1
- It is also important to note that an around-the-clock dosing schedule may provide the most consistent benefit to the patient, as stated in the NCCN guidelines 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
For the Relief of Symptoms Associated with Diabetic Gastroparesis (Diabetic Gastric Stasis) Administration of Metoclopramide Injection, USP up to 10 days may be required before symptoms subside, at which time oral administration of metoclopramide may be instituted. For the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Emetogenic Cancer Chemotherapy Intravenous infusions should be made slowly over a period of not less than 15 minutes, 30 minutes before beginning cancer chemotherapy and repeated every 2 hours for two doses, then every 3 hours for three doses The recommended dosing frequency for Metoclopramide (Reglan) varies depending on the indication:
- For diabetic gastroparesis, the oral administration may be instituted after up to 10 days of intravenous administration.
- For the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, intravenous infusions should be repeated every 2 hours for two doses, then every 3 hours for three doses. 2
From the Research
Dosing Frequency of Metoclopramide
- The recommended dosing frequency for Metoclopramide (Reglan) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, study 4 suggests that to achieve and maintain target serum metoclopramide concentrations of 1 microgram/ml, a loading infusion of 3.61 mg/kg over 30 min followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.36 mg kg-1 h-1 for 10 h can be administered.
- Study 6 mentions that metoclopramide was administered orally at a dose of 10 mg four times a day, in combination with dexamethasone.
- It is essential to note that the dosing frequency may vary depending on the specific clinical context and patient population, and these studies may not provide a comprehensive answer to the question.
Administration Routes and Schedules
- Metoclopramide can be administered through various routes, including intravenous 4, oral 6, and intranasal 5.
- The administration schedule may also vary, with some studies using a loading infusion followed by a maintenance infusion 4, while others use a fixed dose schedule 6.
- Study 7 discusses a simplified premedication schedule for paclitaxel administration, which includes dexamethasone, dimethindene maleate, and ranitidine, but does not provide information on metoclopramide dosing frequency.