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Compare Granisetron vs. Reglan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Granisetron (generic name) and Metoclopramide (generic name, brand name Reglan) are both used to manage nausea and vomiting, but they work differently and are used for different conditions. Granisetron is an antiemetic that blocks serotonin to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and radiation. It is available in oral and intravenous forms and is typically taken only on treatment days. Common side effects include headaches and constipation. Metoclopramide, on the other hand, is a dopamine antagonist used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and diabetic gastroparesis. It can also be used off-label for nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, but it is not a first-choice option due to its risk of serious side effects like tardive dyskinesia. Metoclopramide is available in various forms, including tablets and nasal spray, and must be taken multiple times a day. It can cause drowsiness and other side effects like restlessness and depression. While both medications are available in generic forms, Metoclopramide has a broader range of uses but comes with more significant risks.

  • Granisetron
    Metoclopramide (Reglan)
  • Granisetron
    Metoclopramide (Reglan)

  • Summary of Granisetron vs. Reglan

    Summary for Antiemetic
    Prescription only

    Granisetron prevents nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy and radiation. It can cause headaches and can be more expensive than other similar medications like ondansetron (Zofran).

    Summary for Dopamine antagonist
    Prescription only

    Metoclopramide (Reglan) is FDA-approved to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as gastroparesis in people with diabetes. Providers might also prescribe it off-label for morning sickness during pregnancy and nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. But metoclopramide (Reglan) isn’t a first-choice medication for these conditions because it has a black box warning for a serious side effect called tardive dyskinesia. Metoclopramide (Reglan) can interact with some commonly prescribed medications, such as risperidone (Risperdal) and quetiapine (Seroquel).

  • Indications of Granisetron vs. Reglan

    Indications for
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer medications (chemotherapy) and radiation
    Indications for
    •Delayed stomach-emptying caused by diabetes (diabetic gastroparesis)
    •Severe acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) when other medications haven’t worked

  • Pros and Cons of Granisetron vs. Reglan

    Pros and Const for Antiemetic
    Pros
    •Can be taken orally or by injection
    •Safe option for older adults and people with kidney and liver problems
    •Only needs to be taken on chemotherapy and radiation days
    Cons
    •Only prevents nausea and vomiting; not as good of an option for treatment of nausea and vomiting that is already present
    •Tablets not for use in children
    •Can be more expensive than similar medications
    Pros and Const for Dopamine antagonist
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available in many forms including tablet, fast-melting tablet, liquid, nasal spray, and injection
    •Typically starts to work in 30 minutes to 1 hour
    •A possible option during pregnancy
    Cons
    •Shouldn’t be used in children or for more than 12 weeks because of a higher risk of serious side effects
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Interacts with a lot of medications such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and opioids
    •Can't be used if you have Parkinson's disease, seizures, or stomach blockages or bleeds

  • Common Side Effects of Granisetron vs. Reglan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (20%)
    •Weakness or lack of energy (18%)
    •Constipation (14%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Upset stomach and stomach pain (4—6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Restlessness (10%)
    •Drowsiness (10%)
    •Lack of energy (10%)
    •Tiredness (10%)

  • Warnings of Granisetron vs. Reglan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Heart rhythm problems
    •Digestion problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Other conditions with uncontrolled muscle movements (dystonia, Parkinsonian symptoms, and restlessness)
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •High blood pressure
    •Swelling in arms, legs, or around the belly
    •High prolactin levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Granisetron vs. Reglan

    Learn more about Granisetron
    Learn more about Metoclopramide

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