Drug of the week series 14 - 3

Scenario:
A 72-year-old man with Parkinson’s disease develops nausea after surgery. The resident suggests prescribing metoclopramide, but the senior physician advises against it.

Why is metoclopramide generally avoided in patients with Parkinson’s disease?
  • It increases blood glucose levels.
  • It worsens Parkinsonian symptoms by blocking dopamine receptors.
  • It causes severe hypertension.
  • It reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics.
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Question

Can you explain the pharmacological reason why metoclopramide is contraindicated in Parkinson’s disease?

MBH/PS