Reglan increases the contractions of the stomach and small intestine, helping the passage of food. Reglan also increases the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines and increases the strength of the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle between the stomach and esophagus).

Reglan is used to treat diabetic gastric stasis (a condition in which the stomach does not contract), which causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, decreased appetite, feeling of indigestion and prolonged fullness after

Reglan is a \"prokinetic\" agent that increases muscle tone of the lower esophagus sphincter. The lower esophagus sphincter, located between the esophagus and stomach, normally prevents reflux of acid and other stomach contents into the esophagus.

In patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD), a weakened lower esophagus sphincter allows reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing heartburn and acid damage to the esophagus (peptic esophagitis). Reglan decreases stomach acid reflux by strengthening the lower esophagus sphincter.

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Reglan is usually taken four times a day, 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. 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 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 (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
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Call your doctor immediately if you experience uncontrollable movements or muscle spasms of your arms, legs, lips, jaw, tongue, face, or other body part; or if you experience unexplained anxiety, agitation, jitteriness, shortness of breath, or insomnia. These symptoms could be early signs of a serious side effect requiring immediate

Side effects of Reglan 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 .

More common side effects of Reglan may include:
Drowsiness, fatigue, restlessness.

Less common or rare side effects of Reglan may include:
Breast development in males, confusion, congestive heart failure, continual discharge of milk from the breasts, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fluid retention,