Studies of drugs given before anaesthesia. XXII: Metoclopramide.

Metoclopramide hastens emptying of the stomach. Since it may be given to patients before operation, the sedative and toxic effects of 10- and 20-mg does given i.m. were studied in patients and student volunteers. Saline and diazepam 10 mg were used as placebo and reference drugs. Neither dose of metoclopramide had as good a sedative effect as diazepam 10 mg. Restlessness occurred in a small number of patients but there were no other side effects apart from dryness of the mouth.