Compare Sustol vs. Reglan
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Sustol (granisetron) and Reglan (metoclopramide) are both used to treat nausea and vomiting, but they have some important differences. Sustol is an antiemetic that works by blocking serotonin, while Reglan is a dopamine antagonist that speeds up gut movements. Sustol is given as an injection by a healthcare provider and lasts up to 7 days, whereas Reglan is taken by mouth multiple times a day. Sustol is only available as a branded medication, while Reglan comes as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of Sustol include injection site reactions and constipation, while Reglan can cause drowsiness and restlessness. Sustol can interact with medications that increase serotonin levels and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, while Reglan can increase the risk for tardive dyskinesia, a serious movement disorder.
- Sustol (granisetron)Metoclopramide (Reglan)
- Sustol (granisetron)Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Summary of Sustol vs. Reglan
Summary for AntiemeticPrescription onlySustol (granisetron) is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy) in adults. It can last for up to 7 days.
Summary for Dopamine antagonistPrescription onlyMetoclopramide (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 Sustol vs. Reglan
Indications for•Prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapyIndications for•Delayed stomach-emptying caused by diabetes (diabetic gastroparesis)•Severe acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) when other medications haven’t workedPros and Cons of Sustol vs. Reglan
Pros and Const for AntiemeticPros•Works well for preventing nausea•Lasts for up to 7 days•Good option for people who have a hard time taking pillsCons•Must be given by a healthcare provider as an injection under the skin•Not clear how safe the medication is in pregnant or breastfeeding females•Can't be used in childrenPros and Const for Dopamine antagonistPros•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 pregnancyCons•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•Can't be used if you have Parkinson's disease, seizures, or stomach blockages or bleedsCommon Side Effects of Sustol vs. Reglan
Common Side Effects for•Injection site reactions, such as bruising, redness, or swelling (37-62%)•Constipation (14-22%)•Weakness or lack of energy (11-21%)•Headache (9-13%)•Diarrhea (8-9%)•Stomach pain (7%)Common Side Effects forWarnings of Sustol vs. Reglan
Common Side Effects for•Injection site reactions•Serotonin syndrome•Severe allergic reactions•Stomach problemsCommon 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 levelsPrices with our coupons for Sustol vs. Reglan
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