Metadrate Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Safety
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Sudden involuntary muscle spasms of the face, neck, or eyes, or difficulty speaking or swallowing.
- High fever with severe muscle stiffness, confusion, or sweating, which may indicate neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing, which may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction.
- Persistent abnormal movements of the face, tongue, or limbs, which may indicate tardive dyskinesia.
- Chest pain, palpitations, or fainting, which may indicate a heart rhythm problem.
- Severe abdominal pain, black or bloody stools, or vomiting blood.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine, which may indicate liver problems.
- Unusual tiredness, fever, or frequent infections, which may indicate a blood disorder.
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is metadrate suspension used for?
This medicine is a combination of metoclopramide 10 mg and magaldrate 480 mg used to relieve nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and acid indigestion. It works by blocking nausea signals in the brain and neutralising stomach acid. It is usually taken up to three times a day before meals, for short-term use only, and should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Generic Name: Metoclopramide (10mg) + Magaldrate (480mg)
- Manufacturer: Lupin Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 metadrate suspension के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा मेटोक्लोप्रामाइड 10 मिलीग्राम और मैगल्ड्रेट 480 मिलीग्राम का संयोजन है। इसका उपयोग मतली, उल्टी, सीने में जलन, एसिडिटी और पेट में भारीपन जैसी समस्याओं में किया जाता है। यह दवा पेट की गति को तेज करती है और पेट के एसिड को कम करती है, जिससे जी मिचलाना और एसिडिटी में राहत मिलती है। इसे डॉक्टर की सलाह के अनुसार ही लें और आमतौर पर इसे खाने से पहले लिया जाता है। यह दवा लंबे समय तक लेने के लिए नहीं है, इसलिए डॉक्टर द्वारा बताई गई अवधि तक ही सेवन करें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के आम दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, चक्कर आना, थकान, सिरदर्द, बेचैनी और पेट में हल्की गड़बड़ी शामिल हैं। कुछ लोगों में मुँह सूखना या दस्त भी हो सकते हैं। कभी-कभी यह दवा चेहरे, गर्दन या आँखों में अनैच्छिक मांसपेशियों की ऐंठन, कंपन, या शरीर में असामान्य हरकतें पैदा कर सकती है। अगर आपको ऐसे लक्षण दिखें, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें। लंबे समय तक इस दवा का सेवन करने से गंभीर मूवमेंट डिसऑर्डर हो सकता है, इसलिए इसे डॉक्टर की सलाह से ही लें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें, अपनी मर्जी से मात्रा न बढ़ाएँ और न ही लंबे समय तक लें। यह दवा नींद और चक्कर ला सकती है, इसलिए वाहन चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें जब तक आपको पता न चल जाए कि यह आप पर कैसा असर करती है। इस दवा के साथ शराब न पिएँ। अगर आपको किडनी या लिवर की समस्या है, तो डॉक्टर को बताएँ। गर्भावस्था या स्तनपान के दौरान इस दवा का उपयोग डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना न करें। दवा को बच्चों की पहुँच से दूर रखें और इसकी मूल पैकेजिंग में ही रखें।
💊 metadrate suspension Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Nausea and vomiting","description":"This medicine helps relieve nausea and vomiting by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain's vomiting centre and speeding up stomach emptying.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Heartburn and acid indigestion","description":"The magaldrate component neutralises excess stomach acid and reduces irritation of the food pipe, providing relief from heartburn and indigestion.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Functional dyspepsia","description":"This medicine may help relieve upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, and early fullness after meals by improving stomach emptying and reducing acid.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)","description":"This medicine can reduce reflux symptoms by speeding up stomach emptying and neutralising acid, but it is not a first-line treatment for long-term GERD.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Gastroparesis","description":"Metoclopramide improves stomach emptying in people with slow stomach emptying, which can reduce nausea, vomiting, and bloating.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery","description":"This medicine may be used in some settings to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting after an operation, but injectable forms are often preferred in hospitals.","evidence":"Moderate"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Migraine-associated nausea","description":"Sometimes prescribed off-label to relieve nausea that occurs with migraine attacks, often alongside pain relievers.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Nausea in pregnancy","description":"Metoclopramide is sometimes used for severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy under close medical supervision, but this combination product is not usually chosen because of the antacid component.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Diabetic gastroparesis","description":"Metoclopramide may be used off-label to improve stomach emptying in diabetic gastroparesis, but long-term use is limited by side effects.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Nausea, vomiting, and acid-related stomach discomfort
Also treats: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, Functional dyspepsia, Gastroparesis, Heartburn, Acid indigestion
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Metoclopramide (10mg) + Magaldrate (480mg) |
| Brand Name | metadrate suspension |
| Manufacturer | Lupin Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | GASTRO INTESTINAL |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original container with the lid tightly closed. Do not refrigerate unless the label says so. Keep out of reach of children and pets. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life is usually 24 months from the date of manufacture, but check the expiry date printed on the pack. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine combines two active ingredients with different but complementary actions. Metoclopramide is a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist and a serotonin 5-HT4 receptor agonist. By blocking D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the brain, it reduces the signals that cause nausea and vomiting. By stimulating 5-HT4 receptors in the gut, it enhances the release of acetylcholine, which increases the tone and contractions of the stomach and upper intestine, speeding up gastric emptying. Magaldrate is a complex of aluminium and magnesium hydroxide with sulphate. It works locally in the stomach to neutralise gastric acid and reduce pepsin activity, which helps relieve heartburn and acid irritation. The combination is designed to address both the nausea and the acid-related symptoms that often occur together.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take metadrate suspension
Strength: Immediate-release tablet containing metoclopramide 10 mg and magaldrate 480 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is one tablet taken up to three times a day, preferably before meals, as prescribed by your doctor. The exact dose and duration depend on your symptoms, age, kidney and liver function, and other medicines you take. Do not take more than the prescribed dose. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not use this medicine for longer than 12 weeks without medical review. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. Metoclopramide is sometimes used in children for nausea and vomiting, but the dose must be calculated by a pediatrician based on the child's weight and condition. This combination product is not recommended for children without specialist advice. |
| Elderly Dosage | Older adults are more sensitive to the side effects of metoclopramide, especially drowsiness, dizziness, and movement disorders. The dose may need to be reduced, and the medicine should be used for the shortest possible time. Your doctor will decide the appropriate dose based on your kidney and liver function and other medicines you take. |
| Renal Impairment | In people with kidney impairment, metoclopramide can accumulate and cause more side effects. The dose may need to be reduced, and in severe kidney disease, this medicine may not be suitable. Your doctor will adjust the dose based on your kidney function tests. Magaldrate should be used with caution in kidney failure because of its aluminium and magnesium content. |
| Hepatic Impairment | In people with liver impairment, metoclopramide is metabolised more slowly, which can increase its effects and side effects. The dose may need to be reduced, and your doctor may monitor you more closely. This medicine should be used with caution in severe liver disease. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose of metoclopramide is 30 mg to 40 mg per day in adults, depending on the indication and your doctor's advice. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor. Higher doses increase the risk of movement disorders and other side effects. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of metadrate suspension
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Levodopa | Major | |
| Antipsychotics | Major | |
| MAOIs | Major | |
| SSRIs/SNRIs | Major | |
| Digoxin | Moderate | |
| Opioids | Moderate | |
| Tetracyclines | Moderate | |
| Fluoroquinolones | Moderate | |
| Iron supplements | Moderate | |
| Cyclosporine | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Levodopa
- Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, olanzapine)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans)
- Digoxin
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Opioid painkillers (e.g., morphine, codeine)
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., hyoscine, tricyclic antidepressants)
- Tetracycline antibiotics
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)
- Iron supplements
- Cyclosporine
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine. Both metoclopramide and alcohol can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, and taking them together increases these effects. Alcohol can also worsen stomach irritation and may increase the risk of nausea. If you drink alcohol regularly, discuss this with your doctor before starting this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known allergy to metoclopramide, magaldrate, or any component of this medicine","Stomach or intestinal blockage, perforation, or bleeding","Pheochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland)","Parkinson's disease or a history of tardive dyskinesia","Epilepsy or a history of seizures","Use within 3 to 4 days of taking MAOI antidepressants","Severe kidney or liver impairment without medical supervision"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Metoclopramide can cause drowsiness and dizziness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Long-term use of metoclopramide increases the risk of tardive dyskinesia, which may be irreversible. Use for the shortest time possible.","Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.","Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, as the dose may need adjustment.","Tell your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems, as metoclopramide can rarely affect the heart.","This medicine may interfere with the absorption of other medicines; take them at least 2 hours apart.","Do not use this medicine for more than 12 weeks without medical review.","Keep out of reach of children."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Metoclopramide passes into breast milk in small amounts and may cause side effects in the baby, such as drowsiness or restlessness. It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding unless your doctor advises it. Magaldrate is not absorbed and is unlikely to affect the baby, but the combination should be used only under medical supervision.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, involuntary muscle spasms, restlessness, and irregular heartbeat. If you suspect an overdose, stop the medicine and seek emergency medical help immediately. Treatment is supportive and may include medicines to control movement disorders. Do not try to vomit unless told to do so by a healthcare professional. Carry the medicine packaging to the hospital so the doctors know exactly what was taken.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and do not increase the dose or take it for longer than advised. Metoclopramide is usually recommended only for short-term use, generally up to 12 weeks, because longer use increases the risk of movement disorders. Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing activities that need full alertness until you know how this medicine affects you, because it can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can worsen drowsiness and stomach upset. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take, especially antipsychotics, antidepressants, opioid painkillers, levodopa, and antacids, because they can interact with this medicine. If you have kidney or liver problems, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or monitor you more closely. Do not take this medicine if you have a stomach or intestinal blockage, bleeding, or perforation, or if you have pheochromocytoma. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using this medicine. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and store it in its original packaging.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults are more likely to experience drowsiness, dizziness, and movement disorders from metoclopramide. The dose may need to be reduced, and the medicine should be used for the shortest possible time. Regular monitoring for side effects is important. Kidney and liver function should be checked before and during treatment.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. Metoclopramide has been used in pregnancy for nausea and vomiting, but this combination product is not routinely recommended because the magaldrate component has not been well studied. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks and may suggest an alternative.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
After surgery, this medicine may be used to treat nausea and vomiting, but injectable forms are often preferred in hospital settings. If you are taking this medicine after surgery, follow your doctor's instructions carefully and report any unusual symptoms. It may interact with other medicines used during surgery, so inform your surgical team about all medicines you take.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, especially if you are having a procedure that requires sedation or anaesthesia. Metoclopramide can increase drowsiness when combined with sedatives. Also, the antacid component may affect the absorption of medicines given before dental procedures. Your dentist may advise you to adjust the timing of your dose.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so avoid strenuous exercise or activities that require balance until you know how it affects you. Mild to moderate exercise is generally safe, but listen to your body and stop if you feel dizzy or unwell. If you experience muscle spasms or unusual movements, avoid exercise and seek medical advice.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and restlessness, which may affect your ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks that require concentration. It is best to avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you. If your work involves operating heavy equipment or driving, discuss with your doctor about adjusting the dose or timing. Most people can continue their usual daily activities with caution.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor if you develop any unusual muscle movements, severe drowsiness, mood changes, or signs of an allergic reaction. Do not stop suddenly if you have been taking it for a long time without consulting your doctor, as some symptoms may return. Your doctor will advise you on the right time to stop based on your condition.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine, especially the metoclopramide component, increases the risk of tardive dyskinesia, a potentially irreversible movement disorder. It may also cause Parkinson-like symptoms, restlessness, and mood changes. The antacid component can interfere with the absorption of other medicines and may cause constipation or diarrhoea. Regular review by your doctor is important if you need to take it for more than a few weeks. Do not use it for longer than 12 weeks without medical advice.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, and not lying down after meals can reduce acid symptoms.
Evidence: Well-establishedWeight loss, stress reduction, and avoiding alcohol and smoking can improve digestive symptoms.
Evidence: Well-establishedMedicines like domperidone or ondansetron may be alternatives for nausea and vomiting, depending on the cause.
Evidence: ModerateFor acid-related symptoms, proton pump inhibitors may be more effective for long-term control.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are unwell with nausea, vomiting, or fever, it is better to postpone vaccination until you recover. Consult your doctor for personalised advice.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C.
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless the label says so.
✅ DO
Keep the tablets in their original container with the lid tightly closed.
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer them to unmarked containers.
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom cabinet.
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
❌ DON'T
Do not use after the expiry date.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When travelling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label clearly visible. Keep a copy of your prescription with you, especially if you are travelling internationally, as some countries may require documentation for medicines. Store the tablets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. If you are crossing time zones, adjust your dosing schedule gradually in consultation with your doctor, but do not double up on doses. Carry enough medicine for your entire trip and a little extra in case of delays. If you are flying, keep the medicine in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: The antiemetic effect usually begins within 30 to 60 minutes after taking a tablet, and the antacid effect starts within a few minutes. You may feel relief from nausea and heartburn within an hour.
A: This medicine is usually recommended for short-term use, generally up to 12 weeks. Longer use increases the risk of serious movement disorders. Follow your doctor's advice on the duration.
A: Taking additional antacids may increase the risk of constipation or diarrhoea and can affect the absorption of other medicines. Ask your doctor before taking other antacids.
A: Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, headache, restlessness, and mild stomach upset. Most are mild and settle with continued use.
A: Metoclopramide has been used in pregnancy, but this combination product is not routinely recommended because the magaldrate component has not been well studied. Use only if prescribed by your doctor.
A: No, alcohol should be avoided because it increases drowsiness, dizziness, and stomach upset.
A: If you remember within half the dosing interval, take the missed dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip it and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double dose.
A: Yes, drowsiness is a common side effect. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for metadrate suspension
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
norper tabletDWD Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹5.77 87.3% CHEAPER
-
metadrate tabletLupin Ltd ₹28.98 36.2% CHEAPER
-
megatech syrupPharmatech Healthcare ₹35.00 22.9% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can be taken for months without any risk.
Fact: Metoclopramide should generally be used for short periods, usually up to 12 weeks, because longer use increases the risk of serious movement disorders. - Myth: This medicine is a painkiller.
Fact: This medicine is not a painkiller. It is used for nausea, vomiting, and acid-related symptoms. - Myth: It is safe to take extra tablets if symptoms are severe.
Fact: Taking more than the prescribed dose increases the risk of serious side effects and does not improve results. Always follow your doctor's instructions. - Myth: This medicine can be taken with alcohol without any problem.
Fact: Alcohol increases drowsiness, dizziness, and stomach upset when taken with this medicine and should be avoided.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Metoclopramide + Magaldrate generic tablets
Brand Alternatives
- Metadrate Tablet