Journal of palliative medicine
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Multicenter Study
Pharmacovigilance in hospice/palliative care: rapid report of net clinical effect of metoclopramide.
Understanding the performance of prescribed medications in day-to-day practice is important to minimize harm, maximize clinical benefits, and, eventually, better target the people who are most likely to benefit, especially in hospice/palliative care where there may be limited time to optimize prescribing. Metoclopramide, a benzamide prokinetic antiemetic, is widely used for a number of indications including nausea, vomiting, hiccups, and reflux. It has recently had a new "black box" warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration in relation to tardive dyskinesia to limit use to 12 weeks. ⋯ Overall, one in three people gained net clinical benefit at one week. Limiting effects include side-effects that need to be sought actively in clinical care.