Metoclopramide Ethanol

Gibbons DO, Lant AF. Effects of intravenous and oral propantheline and metoclopramide on ethanol absorption. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1975 17(5) 578-84. 

Metoclopramide increases gastric transit time, enhancing the absorption of substances absorbed in the small intestine (e.g., ethanol, cyclosporin) and decreasing the absorption of substances absorbed in the stomach (e.g., cimetidine, digoxin). Anticholinergic drugs and dopamine-function-enhancing substances such as levodopa reduce the effectiveness of metoclopramide. Because metoclopramide releases catecholamine, it should be used cautiously with monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as tranylcypromine. Because metoclopramide inhibits plasma cholinesterase, it increases the effectiveness of succinylcholine, a skeletal muscle relaxant. 

Absorption of digoxin in the stomach may be diminished. Absorption of oral medication (e.g. acetaminophen, levodopa, tetracycline, and ethanol) in the small bowel may be increased. Insulin dosage may require adjustment because the action of metoclopramide will influence the dehvery of food to the intestines and thus the rate of absorption. Metoclopramide increases the effect of succinylcholine and the serum levels of cyclosporine. 

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