Reglan Interactions & Special Populations
Patients who are very young, very old, female and/or pregnant or nursing presents special challenges and risks for health care professionals, particularly when it comes to the class of prescription drugs known as dopamine antagonists such as Reglan.
If one thinks of the brain as the body's "server" and the nervous system as the "network" that carries instructions to the various cells, or "terminals" responsible for the operation of the body's organs, feedback mechanisms and such, dopamine is the "electricity" that carries the messages. The "interface," or "modem" that translates these signals for cells are called dopamine receptors. Drugs such as Reglan prevent these receptors from receiving such signals from the brain.
Every living body changes over time, and the needs of young children are quite different from geriatric patients. When it comes to a powerful drug with as many potential side effects as metachlopromide, or Reglan, such issues as stage of life, gender and whether or not a woman is pregnant must be carefully considered.
Reglan and Juvenile Patients
Although it is rare for children and adolescents to suffer from gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), young people have been prescribed Reglan for other reasons. Those suffering from the side effects of cancer treatments (chemotherapy and radiation) are sometimes given Reglan to control nausea and vomiting.
One of the common side effects of Reglan is dystonia, a movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrolled muscle contractions, twisting, tic-like, repetitive motions and awkward postures. It has been determined that young people under the age of thirty are not only at elevated risk for developing such symptoms, but that dystonia may appear almost immediately once Reglan therapy has started.
Reglan and the Elderly
It was among geriatric patients that the side effects of Reglan became apparent. A study conducted by researchers under the auspices of the Food and Drug Administration and published in 2004 noted that geriatric patients had the greatest risk of developing symptoms of tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder characterized by facial tics and uncontrollable jaw and tongue movement, and often affects the extremities as well). Elderly women appear to be at greatest risk, although it is not clear whether this is because of factors related to gender or rather because women make up the majority of those who are prescribed Reglan (67 percent).
Reglan and Pregnancy or Nursing
Although there has been no evidence to show that Reglan can pass the placental barrier between mother and fetus, it is always unwise for a pregnant woman to take any sort of medication unless her life and that of the fetus is otherwise threatened and there is no other choice.
Research has shown however that Reglan can be passed to a nursing baby though breast milk. Since the effects of Reglan on young children can be severe and immediate, it is best to avoid Reglan while nursing.
Other problems that women may experience while taking Reglan include excessive tenderness and sensitivity of the breast as well as changes in menstrual patterns.
© 2010 TardiveDyskinesia.com Last Modified Monday, July 27th, 2009
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy