Reglan as an Antiemetic
While your body often utilizes vomiting as a way to rid itself of poisonous items, such as contaminated food, prolonged purging can be dangerous because it may result in severe dehydration and malnutrition. In some cases, doctors will prescribe you an antiemetic, or a drug to prevent nausea and vomiting.
One such drug used as an antiemetic is Reglan, which contains metoclopramide as its active ingredient. While it may be necessary to stop someone’s vomiting, Reglan in itself can be damaging because it has been linked to permanent neuromuscular disorders such as tardive dyskinesia. If you or someone you know has developed a health issue due to the usage of Reglan, contact a Reglan lawyer from the experienced firm of Williams Kherkher today by calling 800-761-3187.
Uses for Antiemetics
Although Reglan’s primary use is to promote gastric emptying to prevent heartburn, its secondary characteristic is alleviating nausea and vomiting. It achieves both of these by acting as a dopamine receptor antagonists. This means that it blocks dopamine receptors so that certain neurotransmitters cannot be effectively utilized.
Dopamine is used to stimulate the medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone, or CTZ, which can cause nausea and regurgitation. Since the metoclopramide in Reglan blocks these receptors, dopamine cannot act on the CTZ. Thus, doctors may prescribe Reglan as an antiemetic for the following:
- Chemotherapy- or radiation-induced nausea and vomiting
- Post-operative upset stomach
- Morning sickness
Contact Us
While Reglan may alleviate your nausea and vomiting, it can also cause permanent neuromuscular disorders that may disable you from working and participating in your normal lifestyle. If you have developed problems from Reglan use, contact a Reglan side-effects attorney from Williams Kherkher today at 800-761-3187.
