Medication Concern

What testing have they done to diagnose the delay?

Is this the Pediatrician who is prescribing this?

Have you seen the Ped. GI yet?

My daughter was diagnosed with silently refluxing at 6 months old - this was after 3 months of weight loss and unexplainable symptoms (sleeping in excess of 16 hours a day, eating minimally, etc). She is now 7 years old and we have run the gamut of stomach issues with her. One of the things that they did do was a nuclear study (to watch how the food/drink flows thru her body. The ped gi then put her on Reglan to help with this emptying. She was on short term and she was 5 years old and had no side effects from the meds.

I don't know that I would just take the Ped's advice and I would wait to see the GI if I were you.

Hope this helps,
S.

The doctor put my daughter on this med. She took it for a little bit, but I took her off of it because it wasn't what she needed (long story). I have a friend who has twins that were born 3 months early. They are now 2 and doing wonderfully. I know that one of the twins was on this medicine for a long time. She is a silent aspirator (sp) and has reflux and a micky button (sp). My friend was really worried about this medicine also. I don't think that a Ped. GI would put your son on something like this if he didn't think it was necessary. My friends little ones didn't have any problem taking this medicine and it really has helped the little girl. Ask the specialist. Make sure that you make a list before you go of any questions because I know the appointments can move so fast sometimes. That way you don't forget to ask a question. Tell them that you are concerned about the side effects and they should be able to tell you what you want to know. They have to list those side effects on the package to cover their butts incase anything happens to someone, but usually those are extreme, or very rare cases.
Good luck!

M.,

My son was on Reglan from about 2 months to just over a year due to some medical conditions he has worked thorugh since birth. He did really good on Reglan for quite a while. At about nine months we noticed some head movements we were not sure about. We consulted both his surgeon and his ped. and we slowly weaned him off of Reglan. This was also about the time that he was discovering movements his body and head could make...shaking his head, acting silly, etc. Regardless, we didn't want to take a chance and we are minimalists when it comes to medicine. Sometimes his head movements did not seem voluntary. If memory serves me correctly, Reglan can affect a person neurologically and that increased our concern. Talk to your Ped GI about your concerns, get second opinions or ask for alternatives. Weigh your options and that will help you make the right choice. For us, knowing that he wouldn't be on Reglan for a really long time helped us decide what was best for our little guy. I hope I haven't caused more worry, just get educated further before you make your decision. Good luck!

This is a 64 yr old grandmother of 4 grown married children and 8 grandchildren....I don't understand all these Doctors and teachers wanting to drug our children today. The baby is only 3 months old, don't jump the gun and then it will be for a liftime. I wish I could tell you all the times I would like to pop a pill to solve all my kids problem...and meany of them are what I read on MamaSource ( which I Love ) To you mommys out there, keep asking advice as you have been doing.
My kids are all grown and all have stable jobs and the greatest thing...have never been adicted to durgs, alcohol.
...I hope this respons is the medicine you need.

Really, Reglan is pretty benign. There are side effects with most drugs..reading a package insert can scare anyone. But, Reglan is usually first line treatment for Reflux and works well for many babies. We use it in the NICU all the time. This is the same med adults use for reflux and also for bfdg moms with short term milk supply issues. I would feel confident giving the reglan. Each GI med works a different way, so if it doesn't improve the symptoms, let your doc know so they can change things around. Hope that helps!

Hi M.,
I too had my children on Reglan until i went to the GI specialist. From what I remember the GI doc does NOT recommend reglan. We worked on a mixture of Zantac and Mylanta. You and Your Doc need to weigh the pros and cons. Good luck.

M.
My 5 day old grandson had the same problem and it was taken care of with nutrition. He's Ped wanted him to take adult mylanta (at 5 days old) Instead we seeked out info on nutrition and he never had to go on any meds at all. I would be more than happy to talk to you about it. my email address is ____@____.com Good Luck

You are right to worry, Reglan can have some serious side effects. I too have delayed stomach empyting and my dr.s have suggested this drug, I am hesitate to try it. A very big one is Parkinson's like tremor. Hopefullythe pediatric gastorenterologist can properly diagnoise him, I would then ask if there is something else they can try first. My doctor actually wanted to give my an injection of Reglan IV to "jump start" my stomach emptying, maybe this is something they would suggest for your son too. Sounds a little better than daily pills and their potential side effects. I would do more research (goole it) before you meet with the new dr. and be as informed as possible. Good luck!

Any medication has SE, but if he is really having problems with slow motility and throwing up, he most likely needs it. We prescribe it a lot at the hospital I work with for kids with the same problems. Most of the SE's happen with the very high doses, which most kids don't need. Good luck at the peds GI :)

Don't do it!! I am 37 years old and had to take it for the same reason. It has horrible side effects. I had blurred vision, panic attacks, hyper all the time, trouble sleeping, etc... Then when I stopped taking it the effects were even worse for months. Go to a website called askapatient.com and you can get other peoples stories when they were on Reglan.

Good Luck.

Hi M.,
My son was born 3 mos premature and he received Reglan in the NICU and for a while after he was discharged. All together he probably took it 3 times a day for the first 4-5 mos of his life. He is three years old now and I have not seen any side effects in him. It is a motility drug, it plainest terms it keeps the food moving in the right direction. It keeps the food from coming back up the esophagus and helps move it out of the stomach and into the intestines where it belongs. I also took Reglan for about two months after he was born. My body stopped producing milk after he was born and in order for me to pump breast milk for him to eat, I need a little help. The Reglan actually somehow stimulated lactation. I didn't have any problems with the drug either. But, my cousin's son took it for reflux and he did experience shaking and twitching. They switched him to something else and he hasn't had any problems since. Good for you for questioning the drug, I think we are seriously overmedicated as a whole. Ask many questions of your MD's and specialists. See what other alternatives there may be. Good luck to you and your baby, I hope he turns out to be a happy, healthy little boy.

Although I'm sure some of your responders will have scientific info on side effects, my daughter took reglan to counter the effects of chemo. EVERY drug has possible side effects. Check for alternatives, but, if that is the best one, give her the smallest dosage for the least amount of time that she needs it.

I am an RN. All medications have risk factors even Tylenol and Mylicon Drop (gas drops). You will get more information once you go to the GI Specialist. If your wondering if he really needs the medication or not, some of your questions that need answered are is he gaining weight like he should? is his delayed emptying cause other problems (like malnutrition, reflux, irritablity, etc.)? Does he have developmental delays (is he doing appropriate things for his age)? is he haveing any airway or breathing issues? Once you have these answered, you can talk with your doctor about a plan that may or may not include medication. Just curious did he have a test that showed delayed emptying?

reglan is commonly used in pediatric patients for gastric emptying issues. common side effects are restlessness, drowsiness, anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia. delayed gastric emptying can lead to a bowel obstruction is not treated.

I do not know anything about Reglan or your son's condition in particular, but I would urge you to thoroughly investigate this drug and possible natural alternatives before you proceed. I've been reading about the whole FDA/pharma connection and am convinced that we cannot trust many drugs to be safe. When you discover how short their trial periods are and how small their group of subjects (with almost none being tested on children), it's shocking! Basically, the FDA accepts the drug company's own studies as the proof that the drugs are safe. There is another discussion forum on mothering.com in which the majority of participants are pursuing natural options... I would recommend posting your question there and considering their responses along with your doctor's recommendations as you make this difficult decision. Here's the link: https://www.mothering.com/discussions/forumdisplay.php?f=45

This is straight from the PDR.
Why is Reglan prescribed?

Reglan increases the contractions of the stomach and small intestine, helping the passage of food. It is given to treat the symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach does not contract. These symptoms include vomiting, nausea, heartburn, feeling of indigestion, persistent fullness after meals, and appetite loss. Reglan is also used, for short periods, to treat heartburn in people with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus). In addition, it is given to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and surgery

Reglan may cause mild to severe depression. If you have suffered from depression in the past, make sure your doctor is aware of it. Reglan may not be the best drug for you.
How should you take Reglan?

Reglan is usually taken 30 minutes before a meal. If you suffer from heartburn that occurs only intermittently or only at certain times of day, your doctor may want you to schedule your Reglan therapy around those times.
You will probably take Reglan for only 4 to 12 weeks. Continuous treatment beyond 12 weeks is not recommended.
If you have diabetic "lazy stomach" (gastric stasis) that tends to recur, your doctor may want you to take Reglan at the first sign of a recurrence.
 If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Reglan.
 Side effects may include:
Drowsiness, fatigue, restlessness
In addition, Reglan may cause symptoms similar to those of Parkinson's disease, such as slow movements, rigidity, tremor, or a mask-like facial appearance.
Especially in older people, Reglan may produce tardive dyskinesia, a syndrome of jerky or writhing involuntary movements, particularly of the tongue, face, mouth, or jaw. In children and adults under 30, Reglan may cause involuntary movements of the arms and legs, and sometimes loud or labored breathing, usually in the first day or two of treatment.
Reglan may cause intense restlessness with associated symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, foot-tapping, pacing, inability to sit still, jitteriness, and insomnia. These symptoms may disappear as your body gets used to Reglan, or if your dosage is reduced.
Why should Reglan not be prescribed?
Do not take Reglan if you are sensitive to it or have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
You should not take Reglan if you have a condition such as obstruction, perforation, or hemorrhage of the stomach or small bowel that might be aggravated by increased stomach and small-bowel movement.
If you have pheochromocytoma (a nonmalignant tumor that causes hypertension), do not take Reglan; it could trigger a dangerous jump in blood pressure.
Do not take Reglan if you have epilepsy; it could increase the frequency and severity of seizures.
If you are taking a drug that is likely to cause side effects such as tremors, jerks, grimaces, or writhing movements, do not take Reglan; it could make such symptoms more severe.
Reglan is not recommended for patients under 18 years of age.
Special warnings about Reglan

If you have Parkinson's disease, you should be given Reglan cautiously or not at all, since the drug may make your Parkinson's symptoms worse.
Because Reglan may make you drowsy and impair your coordination, you should not drive, climb, or perform hazardous tasks until you know how the medication affects you.
Use Reglan with caution if you have high blood pressure. Be careful, too, if you have cirrhosis or congestive heart failure. Under these conditions, Reglan may cause fluid retention and heart problems. If this happens during the first few weeks of Reglan therapy, you'll have to stop taking the drug.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Reglan

If Reglan is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Reglan with the following:
Acetaminophen
Alcoholic beverages
Antispasmodic drugs
Cimetidine
Cyclosporine
Digoxin
Insulin
MAO inhibitor antidepressants
Levodopa
Narcotic painkillers
Sleeping pills
Tetracycline
Tranquilizers
If you take insulin for diabetes, your insulin dosage or dosing schedule may have to be adjusted while you are taking Reglan.
Recommended dosage for Reglan

ADULTS

 Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux
The usual dose is 10 milligrams to 15 milligrams of Reglan, up to 4 times a day, 30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime, depending upon the symptoms being treated and the effectiveness of the dose. Treatment usually lasts no longer than 12 weeks.
If symptoms occur only intermittently or at specific times of the day, your doctor may give you a single dose of up to 20 milligrams as a preventive measure.
Symptoms Associated with Diabetic Gastroparesis or Gastric Stasis
The usual dose is 10 milligrams 30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime for 2 to 8 weeks.
OLDER ADULTS

Relief of Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux
Older adults may need only 5 milligrams per dose.

My son who is 8 months old has been on reglan since he was born. We haven't noticed any side effects while using it. When we have forgot to give a dose, he has become very irritible. Our son is on it because he has TEF, we don't want him to have any reflux or as little as possible. So I would say depending on what you find out from the Dr. after his GI test that would determine if I would put your child on it or not.

Hi M.,
My son has acid reflux and takes Reglan. I was told by someone on here that it was a "bad" med. I talked a lot more with my sons Dr. about my concerns and she told me that it would be fine for my son. My son is a lot older than your son, but he does fine with the med. and he takes it up to three times a day. If you still have concerns talk to your babys Dr. a little more and see what he or she has to say. I hope that things workout and you feel that your made the best choice for you little guy. Good Luck!

M.

My boy was put on it at a few weeks old and we tried again at two months or so. I might as well have given him droppers full of water. Sometime it seemed it caused him to spit up. I felt it made him more agitated, although he was so hysterical so much of the time it was hard to tell. As will all meds, you need to weigh the bad with the good. I hate giving meds, but my son had such bad reflux it was worth a try. Our doctor said that it would work pretty much immediately, so if it doesn't work, you will know right away and don't need to continue. 1 day would show you quite adequately. For my boy it was very bad spit up (40+/day) and not pooping. Zantac worked the best. Again, meds with side effects, but it was necessary. Also, solid food, which was not recommended. Once he started eating, he started pooping regularly and was way less spitty and upset. I mean, rice cereal and bananas were a miracle. All the kid needed was applesauce.

I am not sure if this helps, but I was on this my entire pregnancy and the doctors felt it was safe for baby. Good luck!

I WOULD N0T GIVE THIS TO MY BABY. In my experience it has caused two elderly relatives to hallucinate. The general rule of thumb is that the elderly and infants are both sensitive and can experience the same side effects. I would consult with the Pediatrician as you have planned. You don't mention why it's being prescribed for your baby. If it is for vomiting and/or if it is projectile, meaning it is forceful and shoots across the room, as is often the case in infants less than four months, I would consult a surgeon who could rule out or diagnose pyloric stenosis. Pyloric stenosis is a condition in infants that the pyloric valve, the valve at the top of the stomach, doesnt open when eating. It can be corrected with minor surgery. Good Luck to you and your family. My prayers are with you. J.

Hi,

My daughter had horrible acid reflux. Reglan was the ultimate last resort. That is if nothing else worked, due to the side effects. We dealt with Dr. Tomer at Children's hospital. She is in the GI dept. She was fabulous, cautious, listened, concerned, etc. She gave us several things to do in addition to taking medication to help our Dr. Another thing....as a partent, always trust your instincts. If you don't feel right in your heart about what a Dr. says, get a second opinion!

Good luck,

Susie R.

HI M.. I have taken Reglan before for chronic nausea. It was the only medication that worked for me, but it made me extremely nervous and anxious. I basically had a panic attach for about 24 hours till the meds got out of my system. Because it was such a bad reaction, I list that as one of the medications I am allergic to so I am never administered it. I'm not sure if your baby will have the same reaction, but that was what it did to me.

Hi M.!

My second son threw up constantly and cried most of the time. The ped. told me it was reflux disease and put him on reglan. I was stupid and did not research it (he was 2 mos. old). We think it helped some, but definately did not get rid of it. 2 1/2 years later (and MANY MANY visits to the ped. about his health) we stumbled upon the fact that he has food allergies (and was getting it through the breastmilk and then through the processed food once he was old enough). Although I haven't seen any side effects from the med, it really didn't do anything for our son because it was allergies. You may want to see about a blood test to check for allergies. I would not recommend the scratch test for allergies as it is not very accurate for food allergies/sensitivies and is pretty invasive. The blood test is much more accurate for food allergies. Good luck!!!

A little about me...

I am a mother of 3 boys, 9, 6, 17 mos. and one more due in July. My two oldest have food allergies (as do I, but didn't know it until my 2nd son was diagnosed). I have passed the allergies to them, but so far might not have to my 3rd as I have been much more careful about my diet and his. I am married to my soulmate for almost 13 years now.

I have no personal experience, but my friend has a child who had many many feeding issues, one thing they finally tried was that drug. From what she has said, it worked well for a while and then sort of lost it's effectiveness. She also said, she would have tried it earlier, it may have helped stop some of the other issues he is having. Like I said,I have no personal experience but I know there are a number of online support groups for just this sort of thing, try a feeding problems in childhood search on yahoo, you may find some great info. Good luck and God bless.

I am a nurse and a new mom of a 5 week old. If you choose to give him the Reglan start with the lowest dose and watch him very carefully. I have seen Reglan work really well with no side effects but I have also seen severe side effects from it. Some of the effects I have seen in children are uncontrollable movements almost like Parkinsons, sleepiness, major mood swings and nasty irritability! I am not saying not to give the drug but I think you should weigh the pros and cons. How delayed is his emptying? Is he throwing up alot? Having troulbe eating? I know whatever decision you make will be the right one.

This medication is used to treat certain conditions of the stomach and intestines. Metoclopramide is used as a short-term treatment (4 to 12 weeks) for persistent heartburn when the usual medicines do not work well enough. It is used mostly for heartburn that occurs after a meal or during the daytime. Treating persistent heartburn can decrease the damage done by stomach acid to the swallowing tube (esophagus) and help healing. Metoclopramide is also used in diabetic patients who have poor emptying of their stomachs (gastroparesis). Treating gastroparesis can decrease symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and stomach/abdominal fullness. Metoclopramide belongs to a class of drugs known as dopamine receptor antagonists. It works by increasing stomach emptying and movement of the upper intestines.

Metoclopramide should not be used in children because of increased severe side effects.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used in higher doses for nausea/vomiting from chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer.

How to use Reglan Oral
Take this medication by mouth 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime, usually 4 times daily or exactly as directed by your doctor. If you are using the liquid form, use a medication measuring device to carefully measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon.

Dosage is based on your age, kidney and liver function, medical condition, and response to treatment.

Do not take this more often or in larger doses than prescribed by your doctor. According to the manufacturer, treatment should not exceed 12 weeks.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times before a meal each day.

Rarely, a withdrawal reaction (e.g., dizziness, nervousness, headaches) may occur if you suddenly stop this drug. To prevent withdrawal reactions when stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reduce the dosage as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens during the first week of treatment.K. singleteary indy