
Metoclopramide hydrochloride is an antiemetic drug used to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It is considered safe to take during pregnancy as there is no evidence that it will harm the baby. However, there are other anti-sickness medicines available that have fewer side effects and may be more suitable. It is recommended that metoclopramide is avoided during the first and third trimesters when possible.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Risk to the foetus | The benefit should outweigh the risk to the foetus |
Use during first and third trimesters | Should be avoided |
Neonates exposed during the third trimester and/or delivery | Monitoring for extrapyramidal syndrome and methemoglobinemia is recommended |
Postpartum depression | Mothers are at a high risk |
Malformative risk | Unlikely |
US FDA pregnancy category | Not assigned |
AU TGA pregnancy category | A |
Use while breastfeeding | Not recommended |
What You'll Learn
- Metoclopramide is not associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations
- Metoclopramide is not linked to fetal death
- Metoclopramide is not associated with an increased risk of minor congenital malformations
- Metoclopramide does not have a dose-response effect
- Metoclopramide can cause postpartum depression in mothers
Metoclopramide is not associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations
Metoclopramide is a drug used to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It is considered safe to take during pregnancy as it has not been associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations in the foetus.
In a study of 1,222,503 pregnancies, 28,486 women took metoclopramide in their first trimester. Of these, 721 had an infant with a major congenital malformation (25.3 per 1,000 births). Meanwhile, of the 113,698 women who did not take metoclopramide, 3,024 had an infant with a major congenital malformation (26.6 per 1,000 births). These results show that there was no significant difference in the number of congenital malformations between the two groups.
Another study of 33,374 metoclopramide-exposed and 373,498 control infants found no significant increase in the rate of major congenital malformation following metoclopramide use during the first trimester.
In addition, a large cohort study of 113,612 singleton births found that exposure to metoclopramide in the first trimester was not associated with significantly increased risks of any of several adverse outcomes, including congenital malformations, perinatal death, low birth weight, and low Apgar scores.
Therefore, while metoclopramide should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed, and while it is best to avoid use during the first and third trimesters, it is not associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations.
Pregnancy and Mullein: Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
Metoclopramide is not linked to fetal death
A study by Björn Pasternak et al. found no association between metoclopramide use during pregnancy and an increased risk of major congenital malformations overall, any of the 20 individual malformation categories assessed, spontaneous abortion, or stillbirth. The study, which included data from 1,222,503 pregnancies, matched metoclopramide-exposed and unexposed women based on age, calendar year, and propensity scores.
Another study by Ilan Matok et al., which analysed 113,612 singleton births, found that exposure to metoclopramide in the first trimester was not associated with significantly increased risks of any of several adverse outcomes, including major congenital malformations, perinatal death, low birth weight, and low Apgar scores.
Similarly, a study by Li Sun et al. that included data from 33,374 metoclopramide-exposed and 373,498 control infants found no significant increase in the rate of major congenital malformation following metoclopramide use during the first trimester.
These findings suggest that metoclopramide does not increase the risk of fetal death and can be considered safe for use during pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the risks. However, it is important to note that metoclopramide can cause maternal extrapyramidal symptoms, such as acute dystonic reactions and tardive dyskinesia, and there may be other anti-sickness medications that are more suitable.
Pregnancy and Cooking Sake: Is It Safe?
You may want to see also
Metoclopramide is not associated with an increased risk of minor congenital malformations
Metoclopramide is a drug used to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It is considered safe to take during pregnancy as it has not been associated with an increased risk of minor congenital malformations.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) investigated the safety of metoclopramide use during the first trimester of pregnancy. The study found no significant association between metoclopramide treatment in the first trimester and adverse outcomes for the fetus, including congenital malformations.
Another study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), also found no association between metoclopramide use in pregnancy and increased risk of major congenital malformations overall, any of the 20 individual malformation categories assessed, spontaneous abortion, or stillbirth.
A separate study, published in PLoS One, assessed the risk of major congenital malformations following metoclopramide use during the first trimester of pregnancy. The study found no significant increase in the rate of major congenital malformations.
Overall, these studies provide reassurance that metoclopramide does not increase the risk of minor congenital malformations when used during pregnancy. However, it is important to note that metoclopramide should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and when the benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus.
Buspirone and Pregnancy: Weighing the Risks and Benefits
You may want to see also
Metoclopramide does not have a dose-response effect
Metoclopramide is a drug used to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It is considered safe for use during pregnancy, with no evidence of fetotoxicity or malformative toxicity. However, it is recommended to avoid use during the first and third trimesters when possible, as use at the end of pregnancy may result in extrapyramidal syndrome in the neonate.
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the safety of metoclopramide use during pregnancy, and the results suggest that there is no dose-response effect associated with the drug. In other words, increasing the dosage of metoclopramide does not lead to an increased risk of congenital malformations or other adverse effects.
One large cohort study, involving over 100,000 pregnancies, found no significant association between metoclopramide treatment in the first trimester and adverse outcomes for the fetus, including congenital malformations, perinatal death, low birth weight, and low Apgar scores. The study also assessed the association between the number of defined daily doses of metoclopramide dispensed and the risk of major congenital malformations, and no significant dose-response relationship was found.
Similarly, a meta-analysis of six studies, including a total of 33,374 metoclopramide-exposed and 373,498 control infants, found no significant increase in the rate of major congenital malformations following metoclopramide use during the first trimester. The odds ratio for the association between metoclopramide use and major congenital malformations was 1.14, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.93 to 1.38, indicating no statistically significant difference between the exposed and unexposed groups.
Another study, involving 28,486 women exposed to metoclopramide in the first trimester, found no significant association between metoclopramide use and overall malformations or any of 20 individual malformation categories. The prevalence odds ratio for malformations was 0.93, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.86 to 1.02, further supporting the lack of a dose-response effect.
In summary, while metoclopramide is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, it is important to note that there are other anti-sickness medicines with fewer side effects that may be more suitable for pregnant women. Additionally, metoclopramide can cause mild side effects in breastfeeding infants and may increase the risk of postpartum depression in mothers, so it is recommended to use it for a short time and consult a doctor or pharmacist for alternative options.
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre: Safe During Pregnancy?
You may want to see also
Metoclopramide can cause postpartum depression in mothers
Metoclopramide is a drug used to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. While it is not assigned a pregnancy category by the US FDA, it is considered safe for use during pregnancy in other countries, including Israel and some European nations. However, there are concerns about its potential side effects, particularly postpartum depression in mothers.
Metoclopramide use during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters, should be carefully considered due to the risk of postpartum depression in mothers. While human data suggests that the drug is unlikely to cause fetotoxicity or malformative toxicity, it is associated with an increased risk of postpartum depression in mothers. This risk is relatively high, and as such, therapy with this drug should be avoided in women with a history of major depression and not used for prolonged periods in any mother during this vulnerable time.
The decision to use metoclopramide during pregnancy should be made only when clearly needed, and when the benefits outweigh the risks to both the fetus and the mother. There are alternative anti-sickness medications with fewer side effects that may be more suitable for pregnant women. Consulting a doctor or pharmacist is highly recommended to determine the best course of treatment.
In summary, while metoclopramide is considered relatively safe for use during pregnancy and is not associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations, it can cause postpartum depression in mothers. This risk is significant enough to warrant caution and careful consideration before use during pregnancy, especially for those with a history of depression. Alternative treatments with fewer side effects may be preferred to minimize potential risks to both mother and child.
Cystex Use During Pregnancy: Safe Relief for Urinary Discomfort?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Metoclopramide can be taken during pregnancy as there is no evidence that it will harm the baby. However, it is recommended to avoid use during the first and third trimesters when possible.
There is a risk of extrapyramidal syndrome and methemoglobinemia for neonates exposed to the drug during the third trimester and/or delivery. Mothers are also at a relatively high risk for postpartum depression, and this drug can cause depression as a side effect.
Yes, there are other anti-sickness medicines that have fewer side effects and may be more suitable. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and antihistamines such as doxylamine succinate, promethazine, or meclizine are often used to treat nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy.
It is not recommended to take metoclopramide while breastfeeding, but a decision should be made with a doctor's advice. Small amounts of the drug are excreted into human milk and can occasionally cause mild side effects in infants such as trapped wind.
Nursing infants exposed to metoclopramide should be monitored for signs/symptoms of extrapyramidal symptoms and methemoglobinemia. The WHO recommends avoiding this drug if possible due to the potential for neural development defects.