Metoclopramide
This sheet is about exposure to metoclopramide in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information is based on available published literature. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.
What is metoclopramide?
Metoclopramide is a medication that has been used to treat certain stomach conditions, nausea and vomiting, and to increase the amount of milk the body makes while breastfeeding. It has been sold under brand names such as Reglan®, Maxolon® or Metozolv ODT®.
Sometimes when people find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take your medication. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy.
For more information on nausea and vomiting, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/nausea-vomiting-pregnancy-nvp/.
I take metoclopramide. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?
It is not known if metoclopramide can affect fertility (ability to get pregnant). There have been some reports of menstrual problems and galactorrhea (milk production that is not related to breastfeeding) in people who have taken metoclopramide. These issues might make it harder to get pregnant.
Does taking metoclopramide increase the chance of miscarriage?
Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. A small number of studies did not find an increased chance of miscarriage among people taking metoclopramide.
Does taking metoclopramide increase the chance of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a birth defect. This is called the background risk. Using metoclopramide in pregnancy is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk.
Does taking metoclopramide in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?
In 309 females who were given a prescription for metoclopramide during pregnancy, there were no reported pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth). A prescription based study cannot tell if the person used the medication. A different study showed no increased chance of stillbirth in pregnancies exposed to metoclopramide.
Does taking metoclopramide in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?
Studies have not been done to see if metoclopramide can cause behavior or learning issues for the child.
Breastfeeding while taking metoclopramide:
There is limited information on the use of metoclopramide during breastfeeding. Metoclopramide can cross into breast milk. Most reports have not noted side effects in nursing infants. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (such as stomach discomfort and gas), contact the child’s healthcare provider.
Metoclopramide is sometimes used to try and increase milk supply (galactagogue). Studies looking at whether metoclopramide increases or causes milk production are limited, and results of these studies have been mixed. If you are having trouble with milk production, talk with your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.
If a male takes metoclopramide, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?
Studies have not been done to see if metoclopramide could affect male fertility (ability to get partner pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects. In general, exposures that fathers or sperm donors have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.
MotherToBaby | Fact Sheets [Internet]. Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS). Copyright by OTIS, October 2023.