Description:

Metoclopramide 10mg ECL tablets (also listed as Metoclopramide Tabs 10mg ECL) is a generic antiemetic and prokinetic agent. It treats nausea and vomiting (e.g., from chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, migraines, or gastroenteritis), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation), gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying), and facilitates gastric emptying before procedures or in diabetic gastroparesis. It acts by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (antiemetic effect) and enhancing gastrointestinal motility via cholinergic stimulation.

Prescription: Prescription-only (Rx) in many regions, including Ghana (often requires upload of prescription on pharmacy sites like Scab Pharmacy or Trafalgar Gate Pharma). Available OTC in some pharmacies but regulated due to side effect risks (e.g., extrapyramidal symptoms).

Therapeutic Category:

Antiemetic / Prokinetic agent / Dopamine D2 receptor antagonist .

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each tablet contains: Metoclopramide hydrochloride 10 mg (equivalent to metoclopramide base). Excipients: Standard tablet fillers (e.g., starch, lactose, magnesium stearate; refer to label for exact list—no additional actives).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant: 10 mg strength tablets (standard adult dose; often in blister packs of 10’s, 50’s, or larger counts like 500’s for bulk/pharmacy dispensing in Ghana).

Consume Type:

Oral (tablet; swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food, but often before meals for prokinetic effect).

Directions/Usage: Adults: Usually 10 mg (1 tablet) up to 3-4 times daily (30 minutes before meals and at bedtime if needed). Maximum daily dose: 30-40 mg (or 0.5 mg/kg body weight). Short-term use recommended (max 5 days for most indications; up to 12 weeks for GERD/gastroparesis under specialist supervision). Children: Weight-based (0.1-0.15 mg/kg up to 3 times daily; specialist advice required). Do not exceed dose/duration due to tardive dyskinesia risk. Follow doctor’s instructions precisely.

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness
• Restlessness, akathisia (inner restlessness)
• Extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., tremor, muscle spasms, dystonia—more in young adults/children)
• Diarrhoea, constipation
• Headache, dry mouth Serious/rare: Tardive dyskinesia (irreversible involuntary movements with prolonged use), neuroleptic malignant syndrome, depression/suicidal thoughts, hyperprolactinemia (galactorrhoea, menstrual changes). Seek immediate help for muscle rigidity, fever, confusion, or persistent involuntary movements.

Package Type:

Blister packs (e.g., 10 tablets per strip; larger packs like 50’s or 500’s for wholesale/pharmacy use; foil-aluminum blisters in carton).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25-30°C), in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Limit use to short-term (avoid >5 days routinely; >12 weeks only under specialist monitoring due to tardive dyskinesia risk).
• Contraindicated in Parkinson’s disease, pheochromocytoma, intestinal obstruction/bleeding/perforation, epilepsy, or history of tardive dyskinesia/extrapyramidal disorders.
• Caution in elderly, children/young adults (higher dystonia risk), depression history, renal/hepatic impairment (dose reduction).
• Avoid alcohol (enhances sedation); caution driving/machinery if drowsy.
• Pregnancy: Use if benefits outweigh risks (crosses placenta); breastfeeding: Caution (excreted in milk).
• Interactions: Avoid with antipsychotics (worsen extrapyramidal effects), anticholinergics (reduce prokinetic action). Report persistent side effects.

Product Substitutes: Other metoclopramide 10mg tablets in Ghana: Generic metoclopramide (various importers), Maxolon (original), or brands like Metoclopramide Actavis/Teva generics. Alternatives for nausea/vomiting: Ondansetron (Zofran), domperidone (Motilium—if available), promethazine, or prochlorperazine—consult doctor/pharmacist based on cause (e.g., chemotherapy vs. migraine).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

ECL (likely Essential Care Limited or a Ghana-based/local importer/distributor brand; “ECL” is a common label in Ghanaian pharmacies for imported generics, often from Indian or other sources).

Country of Origin:

Ghana (marketed/distributed locally; likely imported generic formulation, common from India or other manufacturers for ECL-branded products in Accra pharmacies).