Shortage of injectable metoclopramide

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists report a shortage of injectable metoclopramide. Where there were three manufacturers of this formulation, there is now one. Short-term prevention and relief of nausea and vomiting is the main use for this drug. The drug works just fine in tablet form, except when someone can't keep the tablets down, and then the injectable version becomes important. Metoclopramide is often injected before surgery in order to benefit from its preventative effects as the patient recovers from anesthesia. Another reason it is popular for this purpose is that it will speed emptying of the stomach if it has been delayed for any reason. An empty stomach is desirable for someone undergoing surgery.

There are numerous reasons why some people should not take metoclopramide, so a discussion with your doctor is important. The ASHP has furnished a table of alternative treatments. Aprepitant is the only other drug in the list which is currently in short supply. There is no one drug that prevents and relieves nausea and vomiting in all patients in all situations.