Potential Uses for Metoclopramide

Abstract

Metoclopramide, a dopamine antagonist, is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders. Its use has been investigated in a wide variety of diseases, including those not involving the intestinal tract. Although more study is required before routine clinical use of metoclopramide can be advocated, it may be effective in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia, in decreasing the risk factors associated with anesthetic-related aspiration, and as an adjunct in the treatment of gastric bezoars. It also may be used safely in patients with Parkinson's disease. The use of metoclopramide in the treatment of neurogenic bladder, orthostatic hypotension, tumor-associated gastroparesis, nonprolactinemic amenorrhea, failure to thrive, Tourette's syndrome, anorexia nervosa, and hiccups, as well as an adjunct to migraine therapy, has been investigated, but sufficient evidence has not been accumulated to advocate the use of metoclopramide in these disorders.