Health Ministry amends recommendations on use of popular anti-nausea drug
Parkinsonian-like symptoms like involuntary movements around the mouth, tongue, limbs, as well as disquiet were some of the side effects.
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICHPills medicine medication treatment(photo credit: Srdjan Zivulovic / Reuters)
Following rare neurological complications reported by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) from the use of the common drug Pramin (metoclopramide) for nausea and vomiting, the Health Ministry has decided to recommend precautions. The drug comes in the form of pills, injections and suppositories and can also be made up by the pharmacist as a liquid. It is marketed here by Rafa, the Israel pharmaceutical company. Among the rare side effects were parkinsonian-like symptoms such as involuntary movements around the mouth and tongue, the limbs and other parts of the body, as well as disquiet. They were reported in cases when the veteran drug was taken for more than five days. The ministry, adopting the EMA advisory, therefore recommended that it should not be taken for more than five days, except in unusual symptoms; that it not be given to children younger than one year; that 5 mg. suppositories can be given to children if they weigh more than 30 kilos; and that adults who take it often should consult with their physician.
