Primperan (metoclopramide): uses and side effects
Metoclopramide, better known as Primperan, is a widely used medication to treat all types of nausea and vomiting since the 1980s. For a long period of time it was considered one of the safest drugs on the market.
However, Primperan is indicated for specific uses and should not be used without a prescription, as many people tend to do; In this article we explain why.
What is metoclopramide?
The generic name of Primperan is 'metoclopramide'. Other less common trade names include Digespar, Clopan, Metoclox, Bitecain, Aeroflat, Novomit, and Rilaquin.
The main effect of metoclopramide is antiemetic.- acts as receptor antagonist dopaminergic D2 and 5-HT3 serotonergic receptors, decreasing the probability that the person who consumes it will vomit.
In addition the Primperan relaxes the digestive tract, increases the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter and amplifies gastric contractions. For this reason it is classified within the group of prokinetic drugs, which facilitate intestinal transit.
Metoclopramide is administered orally. Its effects last approximately 6 hours, with its maximum potency occurring between half an hour and two hours after taking it.
What is Primperan used for?
Metoclopramide is often used to treat any type of nausea; However, in recent years scientific studies have specified the main indications of this drug.
1. Nausea induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Primperan is often prescribed to prevent the onset or reduce the intensity of nausea and vomiting that occurs during chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments for cancer.
The use of antiemetic drugs also serves to prevent the development of anticipatory nausea and vomiting, which occur when the body associates therapy with the onset of these symptoms. It can also happen that nausea is conditioned by the smell or taste of food that was consumed after these treatments.
2. Postoperative treatments
Metoclopramide is indicated in people who experience nausea and vomiting. as a result of surgical operations. It is also used to treat the decrease in intestinal transit speed that occurs after some interventions, especially in the digestive system.
3. Vomiting caused by migraine
nausea and vomiting acute migraine induced they are frequently treated with Primperan. In addition, it is usually combined with analgesic medications for migraine such as paracetamol because metoclopramide facilitates its absorption, increasing its effectiveness.
If it is used to treat migraines, it is advisable to take Primperan in small doses since increasing them does not enhance the effects but it does increase the likelihood of developing side effects, especially drowsiness and akathisia (restlessness physical).
- You may be interested in: "The 7 types of migraine (characteristics and causes)"
4. Digestive and stomach disorders
Primperan can be effective to alleviate the symptoms of various gastrointestinal disorders. Particularly noteworthy is chronic heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux, a disease in which the fluid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus, irritating it and causing symptoms such as coughing and difficulty swallowing swallow.
Also used to treat gastroparesis, that is, the decrease in the capacity of stomach emptying. Specifically, it seems useful for diabetic gastroparesis; In this disorder, the high glucose levels typical of diabetes damage the nerves of the stomach and cause it to empty more slowly.
When using Primperan to treat digestive problems, great caution should be exercised due to the possible side effects of its continued use.
Side effects and adverse
The greatest risk of taking Primperan is the development of dyskinesia., a disorder in which involuntary movements of the facial muscles occur, such as chewing, pursing the lips, wrinkling the eyebrows or blinking.
It is not recommended to take metoclopramide for more than three months because the longer it is taken, the more likely it is that dyskinesia will develop and persist after stopping use; this phenomenon is known as 'tardive dyskinesia'.
There is also a risk of agranulocytosis, a disorder consisting of a severe reduction in the number of white blood cells, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which includes fever, delusions and respiratory, circulatory and digestive disorders.
In addition to the above, the serious side effects of Primperan include depression, agitation or akathisia, heart rhythm disturbances, muscle stiffness, and vision problems. It is recommended to consult a doctor if these symptoms appear.
Among the most common and benign side effects we find tiredness, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, frequent urination, breast enlargement, decreased sexual function, and loss of menstruation.
Contraindications and Warnings
The probability of side effects occurring is greater in children. Therefore, it is the regular use of Primperan in children is especially discouraged, reducing its applications in these cases to postoperative treatments and chemotherapy. In no case should metoclopramide be administered to children under one year of age.
the primperan can worsen symptoms of Parkinson's disease, since it has an antidopamine effect and the symptoms of this disorder are due to low levels of dopamine. Something similar happens with depression, in that the function of this neurotransmitter is also altered.
Primperan is also not recommended for people diagnosed with restless legs syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to take.
Metoclopramide interacts with a number of medications, including sedatives, insulin, aspirin, antihistamines, levodopa, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and antipsychotics As the haloperidol.
Taking Primperan during pregnancy seems quite safe, except in the last trimester, when the risk of extrapyramidal syndrome in the baby increases. Metoclopramide is excreted in breast milk, so it should not be taken during lactation.