Metoclopramide Usage in Pediatric Patients

Indications and Dosing

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 0.1 mg/kg PO/IM/IV of metoclopramide when used as an adjunct for sedation in acute mental health/behavioral emergencies 1

Adverse Effects and Management

• For acute dystonic reactions, the management includes administering diphenhydramine 1-2 mg/kg or 25-50 mg/dose parenterally 2

Important Cautions

• Metoclopramide carries a black box warning regarding its adverse effects, and its use should be limited to 5 days or less due to the risk of tardive dyskinesia 3
• There is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of prokinetic agents for GERD in infants or children, as stated by the American Academy of Pediatrics 3, 4