Brand name: Perinorm

Generic name: PERINORM (Clopra, Maxolon, Metoclopramide, Octamide, Reglan)
Why is Perinorm prescribed?

Perinorm 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. Perinorm 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.
Most important fact about Perinorm

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

Perinorm 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 Perinorm therapy around those times.

You will probably take Perinorm 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 Perinorm at the first sign of a recurrence.

If you miss a dose PERINORM (Clopra, Maxolon, Metoclopramide, Octamide, Reglan)

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.

Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.
Perinorm side effects

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 Perinorm.

* Side effects may include:
Drowsiness, fatigue, restlessness

In addition, Perinorm 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, Perinorm 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, Perinorm may cause involuntary movements of the arms and legs, and sometimes loud or labored breathing, usually in the first day or two of treatment.

Perinorm 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 Perinorm, or if your dosage is reduced.
Why should Perinorm not be prescribed?

Do not take Perinorm if you are sensitive to it or have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

You should not take Perinorm 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 Perinorm; it could trigger a dangerous jump in blood pressure.

Do not take Perinorm 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 Perinorm; it could make such symptoms more severe.

Perinorm is not recommended for patients under 18 years of age.
Special warnings about Perinorm

If you have Parkinson's disease, you should be given Perinorm cautiously or not at all, since the drug may make your Parkinson's symptoms worse.

Because Perinorm may make you drowsy and impair your coordination, you should not drive, climb, or perform hazardous tasks until you know how Perinorm affects you.

Use Perinorm with caution if you have high blood pressure. Be careful, too, if you have cirrhosis or congestive heart failure. Under these conditions, Perinorm may cause fluid retention and heart problems. If this happens during the first few weeks of Perinorm therapy, you'll have to stop taking the drug.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking PERINORM (Clopra, Maxolon, Metoclopramide, Octamide, Reglan)

If Perinorm 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 Perinorm with the following:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Alcoholic beverages
Antispasmodic drugs such as Bentyl and Pro-Banthine
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Insulin
MAO inhibitor antidepressants such as Nardil and Parnate
Levodopa (Sinemet)
Narcotic painkillers such as Percocet and Demerol
Sleeping pills such as Dalmane, Halcion, and Restoril
Tetracycline (Sumycin, others)
Tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax

If you take insulin for diabetes, your insulin dosage or dosing schedule may have to be adjusted while you are taking Perinorm.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Perinorm during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Perinorm should be used during pregnancy only if it is clearly needed. Perinorm appears in breast milk. Your doctor may recommend that you discontinue Perinorm while you are breastfeeding your baby.
Recommended dosage for PERINORM (Clopra, Maxolon, Metoclopramide, Octamide, Reglan)

ADULTS
Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

* Symptoms of Perinorm overdose may include:
Disorientation, drowsiness, involuntary movements