Reglan Has a Marketing Problem

Reglan and its generic equivalent Metoclopramide are safe drugs-if they are prescribed and taken in the approved fashion. Reglan and Metoclopramide were approved for short term use only. The problem with the drug arises when doctors continue to prescribe the drug for more than 90 days (approved usage period). The FDA approved Reglan in June 1985 to treat certain gastrointestinal problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) , nausea and vomiting, reflux, heartburn, Gastroparesis and diabetic gastroparesis. The treatment was only supposed to be proffered as a last resort when other treatment options were not viable or had proven to be ineffective.
What is clear is that neither Reglan nor Metoclopramide are safe when ingested for a longer period than the approved 90 days. Reglan use beyond this 90 day period has been linked to Tardive Dyskinesia, a central nervous disorder which has no known cure and is permanent. Tardive Dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary muscle movements or twitches.
Reglan and Metoclopramide are dangerous because they’ve been used for periods of time that are clearly prohibited by the FDA. Doctors have a duty to know that the drug may only be used safely for a 90 day period. The drug manufacturers need to stop pushing this drug for use beyond the period for which it is approved.