Drug interactions
Metoclopramide + Prochlorperazine
Severity: Major
Metoclopramide and Prochlorperazine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both agents are dopamine D2 antagonists, so together they increase the likelihood and severity of acute dystonia, parkinsonism, akathisia, tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The risk is higher in elderly patients and with prolonged use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metoclopramide and Prochlorperazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Metoclopramide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Prochlorperazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive central dopamine D2 receptor blockade.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use and choose a non-dopamine-blocking antiemetic such as ondansetron if a second agent is needed. If used together, monitor for extrapyramidal signs and stop at the first sign of movement disorder.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Metoclopramide and Prochlorperazine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
Other interactions of Metoclopramide
Other interactions of Prochlorperazine
- Dronedarone + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Prochlorperazine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Prochlorperazine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Metoclopramide with Prochlorperazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Metoclopramide and Prochlorperazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both agents are dopamine D2 antagonists, so together they increase the likelihood and severity of acute dystonia, parkinsonism, akathisia, tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The risk is higher in elderly patients and with prolonged use.
How serious is the interaction between Metoclopramide and Prochlorperazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use and choose a non-dopamine-blocking antiemetic such as ondansetron if a second agent is needed. If used together, monitor for extrapyramidal signs and stop at the first sign of movement disorder.
What other medicines interact with Metoclopramide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metoclopramide with, for example, Amantadine, Amoxapine, Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol). The full list is on the Metoclopramide page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
