Maxolon in Pregnancy

Status

caution Last reviewed: 2026-05-16 · Confidence: moderate

Reason

Pregnancy use is generally not linked to major birth defects, but it should be used only if needed and by a prescriber.

Drug Information

Brand Name
Maxolon
Generic Name
metoclopramide
Drug Class
antiemetic; prokinetic; dopamine D2 receptor antagonist
FDA Category
N/A (PLLR narrative label)
Rx Status
prescription

Safe Amount

Dosage must be determined by your provider based on individual risk/benefit.

Effects

Pregnancy
May be used for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy when benefits outweigh risks; use in late pregnancy during delivery needs caution.
Mother
May cause drowsiness, restlessness, movement side effects, and rarely tardive dyskinesia.
Baby
Official sources do not show an increased risk of major birth defects with pregnancy exposure; neonatal extrapyramidal signs have been reported with use during delivery.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester
Official pregnancy data do not show a higher rate of major birth defects with first-trimester exposure, but use only if needed.
2nd Trimester
No special trimester warning from official sources, but provider review is still needed before use.
3rd Trimester
Use with caution near delivery. Newborn movement problems and methemoglobinemia have been reported after maternal use during delivery.

Risk-Benefit Note

If nausea and vomiting are severe, a prescriber may decide the benefit of treatment is greater than the risk. Do not stop or change treatment without medical advice.

Conditions & Warnings

  • Consult OB/GYN or prescriber
  • Prescription medicine: do not start, stop, or continue without provider review
  • Use only if clearly needed for nausea/vomiting or another approved reason
  • Longer use raises movement-disorder risk
  • Late-pregnancy or delivery use may affect the newborn

Alternatives

  • Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) for nausea, if recommended by your provider
  • Doxylamine-pyridoxine, if appropriate and prescribed
  • Non-medicine measures for nausea, such as small frequent meals and fluids

References

Black Box Warning: Metoclopramide has a boxed warning for tardive dyskinesia, often irreversible, with longer use.
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