SUMMARY CMI

APO-METOCLOPRAMIDE

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using APO-Metoclopramide?

APO-Metoclopramide contains the active ingredient metoclopramide hydrochloride (as monohydrate). APO-Metoclopramide is used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by infectious diseases, kidney disease, childbirth, other medications, cancer, or following surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment.

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using APO-Metoclopramide? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use APO-Metoclopramide?

Do not use it if you have ever had an allergic reaction to APO-Metoclopramide or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI. Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use APO-Metoclopramide? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with APO-Metoclopramide and affect how it works.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use APO-Metoclopramide?

• Adults 20 years and over: take 1 tablet every 8 hours.
• Adolescents: 15 to 19 years: take ½ to 1 tablet every 8 hours.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use APO-Metoclopramide? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using APO-Metoclopramide?

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using APO-Metoclopramide? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Common side effects include drowsiness, tiredness, restlessness, dizziness, headache, bowel irregularities, insomnia, anxiety and agitation.

Serious side effects include uncontrolled or repeated movements, (e.g., sucking or smacking of the lips, darting of the tongue, chewing movements, uncontrolled movements of the arms or legs), fast heartbeat, depression, or swelling of hands, ankles, or feet.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.

FULL CMI

APO-METOCLOPRAMIDE

Active ingredient(s): metoclopramide hydrochloride (as monohydrate)

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using APO-Metoclopramide. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using APO-Metoclopramide.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using APO-Metoclopramide?
2. What should I know before I use APO-Metoclopramide?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use APO-Metoclopramide?
5. What should I know while using APO-Metoclopramide?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using APO-Metoclopramide?

APO-Metoclopramide contains the active ingredient metoclopramide hydrochloride (as monohydrate). APO-Metoclopramide works by blocking the action of a chemical in the brain which causes nausea and vomiting. It also acts in the stomach and upper intestine to increase muscle contractions.

APO-Metoclopramide is used in adults over 20 years and over:

• to treat nausea and vomiting caused by infectious diseases, kidney disease, childbirth, other medications, cancer, or following surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment.
• To activate stomach contractions in conditions where there is a need to encourage normal passage of food through the stomach and intestines.
• With X-rays to help diagnose problems of the stomach and/or intestines
• To help with passing tubes into the intestine.

In young adults aged 15 – 19 years to:

• Treat severe vomiting of known cause or following chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
• Help with passage tubes into the intestine.

2. What should I know before I use APO-Metoclopramide?

Warnings

Do not use APO-Metoclopramide if:

• you are allergic to metoclopramide hydrochloride (as monohydrate), or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
• Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
• have active bleeding from the stomach and/or digestive tract.
• have a blockage of the stomach and/or digestive tract.
• have had recent surgery of the stomach and/or digestive tract.
• have phaeochromocytoma (an adrenaline producing tumour of the adrenal gland).
• have epilepsy (fits or seizures).
• take other medication such as antipsychotic/ neuroleptic medication and certain antidepressants that can cause movement disorders.

Check with your doctor if you:

• have any other medical conditions including:
  - Parkinson's disease
  - liver or kidney problems
  - high blood pressure
  - asthma
• take any medicines for any other condition.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

Use in children

Do not give APO-Metoclopramide to children less than 15 years old.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines and APO-Metoclopramide may interfere with each other. These include:

• Tranquilizers or anti-anxiety medications
• Strong pain relievers (e.g., codeine or morphine)
• Sedatives or sleeping medications.
• Atropine-like medications (e.g., some cold preparations, relief of stomach cramps or spasms, travel sickness)
• Tetracycline antibiotics
• Paracetamol
• Levodopa
• Digoxin

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect APO-Metoclopramide.

4. How do I use APO-Metoclopramide?

How much to use

Follow the instructions provided and use APO-Metoclopramide until your doctor tells you to stop.

Do not exceed the prescribed dose.

• Adults 20 years and over - 1 tablet every 8 hours.
• Adolescents: 15 to 19 years - ½ to 1 tablet every 8 hours.
• Swallow the tablets with a full glass of water.
• If required, the tablets can be broken in half (along with the break-line).
• Take your tablet at least 30 minutes before meals.

If you are taking APO-Metoclopramide before a diagnostic procedure your doctor will give you your dose.

This will usually be a single dose of 1-2 tablets depending on your age.

If you have significant kidney or liver impairment your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.

How long to take APO-Metoclopramide

Your doctor will advise you how long to take APO-Metoclopramide. The maximum recommended treatment duration is 5 days.

If you forget to use APO-Metoclopramide

APO-Metoclopramide should be used regularly at the same time each day.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

If you use too much APO-Metoclopramide

If you think that you have used too much APO-Metoclopramide, you may need urgent medical attention.

Symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, headache, agitation, nausea, vomiting, constipation, tremor, twitching or uncontrolled spasm of muscles.

You should immediately:

• phone the Poisons Information Centre
  (by calling 13 11 26), or
• contact your doctor, or
• go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

5. What should I know while using APO-Metoclopramide?

Things you should do

Call your doctor if:

• nausea and vomiting persist.
• you become pregnant while taking APO-Metoclopramide.

If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking APO-Metoclopramide. It may affect other medicines used during surgery.

Remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are using APO-Metoclopramide.

Things you should not do

• Do not take this medicine to treat any other conditions unless your doctor tells you to.
• Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how APO-Metoclopramide affects you.

APO-Metoclopramide may cause dizziness, light-headedness, tiredness, or drowsiness in some people.

If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

Be careful when drinking alcohol when you are taking this medicine.

If you drink alcohol, it may make you sleepy.

Looking after your medicine

• Keep your medicine in its original packaging until it is time to take it.
• If you take your medicine out of its original packaging it may not be kept well.
• Keep your medicine in a cool dry place where the temperature will stay below 25°C.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

• in the bathroom or near a sink, or
• in the car or on windowsills.

Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

A locked cupboard at least one-and-a half-meters above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

When to discard your medicine

If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or it has passed its expiry date, your pharmacist can dispose of the remaining medicine safely.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Serious side effects

Very Serious side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What APO-Metoclopramide contains

This medicine is gluten free, lactose free, sucrose free, tartrazine free and free of other azo dyes.

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What APO-Metoclopramide looks like

10 mg tablets:

APO-Metoclopramide 10 mg tablets are white to off-white, circular, biconvex film-coated tablets with break line on both sides (Aust R 196502).

Available in blister packs of 25 and 100.

Not all strengths, pack types and/or pack sizes may be available.

Who distributes APO-Metoclopramide?

Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
15-17 Chapel Street
Cremorne VIC 3121
Australia
Tel: 1800 195 055
Web: www.arrotex.com.au

This leaflet was prepared in December 2024.

Published by MIMS February 2025

1 Name of Medicine

Metoclopramide hydrochloride monohydrate.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Each Metoclopramide film coated tablet contains 10 mg metoclopramide hydrochloride (as monohydrate) as the active ingredient.
For the full list of excipients see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

White to off-white, circular, biconvex film-coated tablets with breakline on both sides.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Adults (20 years and over).

Young adults.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Metoclopramide injection is unavailable in this brand, however this formulation is available in other brands. Information obtained from this formulation is included in the PI for prescriber information.
Where correct dosing requires this formulation, refer to the specific product information for these formulations for complete dosage and administration instructions.

Patients with normal renal and hepatic function.

Medical indications.

20 years and over.

15-20 years.

Diagnostic indications.

20 years and over.

15-19 years.

Patients with impaired renal and hepatic function.

4.3 Contraindications

Metoclopramide should not be used in the following situations.
whenever stimulation of gastrointestinal motility might be dangerous, e.g. in the presence of gastrointestinal haemorrhage, mechanical obstruction, or perforation;
phaeochromocytoma because the drug may cause a hypertensive crisis, probably due to release of catecholamines from the tumour. Such hypertensive crises may be controlled by phentolamine;
known hypersensitivity or intolerance to the drug;
porphyria;
epilepsy, as metoclopramide may increase the frequency and severity of seizures;
patients receiving other drugs which are likely to cause extrapyramidal reactions, since the frequency and severity of extrapyramidal reactions may be increased;
metoclopramide tablets should not be used in children below 15 years of age.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Persistent tardive dyskinesia.

Dystonic reactions.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

Prolactin levels.

Other.

Use in hepatic impairment.

Use in renal impairment.

Use in the elderly.

Paediatric use.

Effects on laboratory tests.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

The effects of metoclopramide hydrochloride (as monohydrate) on gastrointestinal motility are antagonised by anticholinergic drugs and narcotic analgesics. Additive sedative effects can occur when metoclopramide hydrochloride (as monohydrate) is given with alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, narcotics or tranquillisers.
Since metoclopramide hydrochloride (as monohydrate) accelerates abnormally slow gastric and small bowel peristaltic activity, it may change absorption of orally administered drugs. The absorption of drugs from the small bowel may be accelerated (e.g. paracetamol, tetracycline, levodopa), whereas absorption of drugs from the stomach may be diminished (e.g. digoxin).

Compatibility.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

Patients should be cautioned about engaging in activities requiring mental alertness for a few hours after the drug has been administered.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

The most frequent adverse reactions to metoclopramide hydrochloride (as monohydrate) are restlessness, drowsiness, fatigue and lassitude, which occur in approximately 10% of patients.
Less frequently, insomnia, headache, dizziness, nausea, or bowel disturbances may occur. Rare (less than 1 in 1,000) cases of acute depression have been reported. Anxiety or agitation may occur (especially after rapid injection).
A single instance of supraventricular tachycardia following intramuscular administration has been reported. There have been very rare (less than 1 in 10,000) cases of abnormalities of cardiac conduction (such as bradycardia and heart block) in association with intravenous metoclopramide. Atrial fibrillation (AF), oedema, tachycardia and palpitations have been associated with the use of metoclopramide. This event is in association with intravenous administration of other brands.
Although uncommon at normal dosage, various extrapyramidal reactions to metoclopramide hydrochloride (as monohydrate), usually of the dystonic type, have been reported. Reactions include: spasm of the facial muscles, trismus, rhythmic protrusion of the tongue, a bulbar type of speech, spasm of the extraocular muscles including oculogyric crises, unnatural positioning of the head and shoulders and opisthotonos. There may be a generalised increase in muscle tone. The majority of reactions occur within 36 hours of starting treatment and the effects usually disappear within 24 hours of withdrawal of the drug, however, close observation is required and in cases of more severe reactions, an antiparkinson drug such as benztropine or an anticholinergic antihistamine such as diphenhydramine should be given. A fatal dystonic reaction has been reported in a patient who received hexamethylmelamine, cisplatin and high dose metoclopramide. A fatal cardiorespiratory arrest has occurred in at least one patient with an acute dystonic reaction.
Tardive dyskinesia, which may be persistent, has been reported particularly in elderly patients undergoing long-term therapy with metoclopramide hydrochloride (as monohydrate).
Very rare (less than 1 in 10,000) occurrences of the Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome have been reported. This syndrome is potentially fatal and comprises hyperpyrexia, altered consciousness, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability and elevated levels of CPK and must be treated urgently (recognised treatments include dantrolene). Metoclopramide hydrochloride (as monohydrate) should be stopped immediately if this syndrome occurs.
Parkinsonian symptoms, including tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and akinesia, occur rarely in patients receiving metoclopramide but may be associated with usual or excessive doses or with decreased renal function.
There have been isolated reports of hypersensitivity reactions (such as urticaria, maculopapular rash) in patients receiving metoclopramide.
There have been a few cases of neutropenia, leucopenia and agranulocytosis generally without clear cut relationship to metoclopramide.
Methaemoglobinaemia has also been reported.
Sulfhaemoglobinaemia in adults.
Hyperthermia has also been observed.
Raised serum prolactin levels have been observed during metoclopramide therapy; this effect is similar to that noted with many other compounds. Galactorrhoea and breast enlargement have also been observed during metoclopramide therapy.
Respiratory failure, secondary to dystonic reaction, acute asthmatic symptoms of wheezing and dyspnoea may occur.
Urinary incontinence and frequency, sexual dysfunction, priapism and muscle spasm may also occur.
Rarely, when metoclopramide was administered with other drugs with known hepatotoxic potential, cases of hepatotoxicity characterised by such findings as jaundice and altered liver function tests were reported.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

4.9 Overdose

Overdose of metoclopramide may be expected to produce effects that are extensions of common adverse reactions: drowsiness, disorientation and extrapyramidal side effects. Very rarely A-V block has been observed. Management of overdosage consists of close observation and supportive therapy. Antiparkinson and antihistamine/ anticholinergic drugs such as diphenhydramine hydrochloride have effectively controlled extrapyramidal reactions. Other reported effects associated with metoclopramide overdose have included feelings of anxiety or restlessness, headache, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, hypotension and xerostomia. Haemodialysis appears ineffective in removing metoclopramide. Similarly, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis does not remove significant amounts of the drug.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poison Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Clinical trials.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Distribution.

Metabolism.

Excretion.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Carcinogenicity.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal anhydrous silica, maize starch, stearic acid, pregelatinised maize starch, hypromellose, macrogol 6000, titanium dioxide, purified talc.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Tablets should be stored below 25°C. Protect from light.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

10 mg film coated tablets (AUST R 196502).

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Chemical structure.

CAS number.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4 - Prescription Only Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes