Metozolv ODT

Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and diabetic gastroparesis are often treated temporarily with Metozolv ODT. The drug comes in the form of a tablet that is placed under the tongue, where it dissolves rapidly (in about a minute). It is generally taken four times a day at specific times. Possible side effects include fatigue, drowsiness, and headache.

Metozolv ODT Medication Information

What Is Metozolv ODT?

Metozolv™ ODT (orally disintegrating metoclopramide) is a prescription medication approved for the following uses:

Short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Short-term treatment of diabetic gastroparesis (a condition caused by diabetes that involves the stomach emptying too slowly).

(Click Metozolv ODT Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label indications.)

Who Makes Metozolv ODT?

This medication is made by Catalent UK Swindon Zydis Limited for Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

How Does It Work?

The active ingredient in Metozolv ODT is

metoclopramide, a medication that has several actions in the digestive tract. It causes the esophageal sphincter (which closes the opening from the stomach up to the esophagus) to become more tight while causing the pyloric sphincter (which closes the opening from the stomach out to the intestines) to relax. The drug also increases the muscular contractions of the stomach and small intestines.

All of these actions work together to help food move through the stomach more quickly, which is why Metozolv ODT is effective for diabetic gastroparesis treatment. The medication has little or no activity in the colon.

Metozolv ODT helps with GERD by preventing the stomach contents from refluxing back up the esophagus, since it increases the tightness of the esophageal sphincter.

The drug works to relieve nausea and vomiting by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, although this is an "off-label" (rather than an approved) use. Dopamine can activate the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting, and blocking the receptors helps to alleviate these problems.

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