Adco-Contromet is a medication commonly used in South Africa to treat nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and stomach motility issues. It contains metoclopramide as its active ingredient and belongs to a group of medicines called prokinetic agents and antiemetics.
Quick Facts:
- Brand Name: Adco-Contromet
- Active Ingredient: Metoclopramide
- Available Forms: Tablets, Syrup, Injectable
- Used For: Nausea, vomiting, reflux, slow digestion
- Country of Use: South Africa
What is Adco-Contromet Used For?
Adco-Contromet helps the stomach process food faster and prevents nausea and vomiting. Here’s how it can help:
Common Uses:
✅ Nausea and Vomiting – Helps with nausea caused by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or migraines.
✅ Acid Reflux (GERD) – Speeds up digestion, reducing heartburn and reflux.
✅ Gastroparesis (Slow Digestion) – Useful for people, including diabetics, who experience slow stomach emptying.
✅ Bloating & Indigestion – Relieves discomfort from gas and bloating.
✅ Medical Procedures – Sometimes given before endoscopy or X-ray to improve test results.
How Does Adco-Contromet Work?

This medication blocks a chemical in your body called dopamine, which controls nausea and digestion speed. By blocking dopamine:
Effect | How it Helps You |
---|---|
Reduces nausea signals | Stops vomiting & nausea |
Speeds up stomach emptying | Helps with reflux & bloating |
Strengthens food pipe muscles | Prevents acid from rising |
Dosage & How to Take It
Typical Dosage Guide:
Condition | Dosage | Duration |
---|---|---|
Nausea & Vomiting | 10 mg, 3 times daily | Up to 5 days |
Acid Reflux (GERD) | 10 mg, 3 times daily | As needed |
Gastroparesis | 10 mg, 3-4 times daily | Up to 12 weeks |
Migraine | 10 mg injection or tablet | As needed |
Dosage and Directions for Use
For Adults:
- General Use: Take 10 mg every 8 hours (three times a day).
- For Diagnostic Radiology & Duodenal Intubation: Take 20 mg before the barium meal.
For Children:
- Ages 5 to 14 years: Take 2.5 to 5 mg three times a day.
- Ages 3 to 5 years: Take 2 mg two to three times a day.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. If unsure, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.
How to Take It:
📌 Take 30 minutes before meals for best results.
📌 Do not use for more than 12 weeks without your doctor’s approval.
📌 Available in tablets, syrup, and injections.
Product Identification & Packaging
ADCO-CONTROMET® TABLET: These tablets are round, white, and slightly convex with a bisecting line in the middle. Each tablet measures 6.35 mm in diameter.
ADCO-CONTROMET® SYRUP: This syrup has a vibrant cerise color, a smooth liquid consistency, and a pleasant cherry flavor and scent.
Packaging Details:
✅ ADCO-CONTROMET® TABLET:
- Available in packs of 100, 500, or 1,000 tablets.
- Comes in white, secure polypropylene containers.
- Also available in blister packs of 10, 100, or 500 tablets (PVC/Al and PVDC/Al).
- The 1,000-tablet pack is housed in a sturdy, white HDPE container with a screw cap.
✅ ADCO-CONTROMET® SYRUP:
- Available in 50 ml amber glass bottles to protect the syrup from light.
Possible Side Effects
Like any medicine, Adco-Contromet may cause side effects.
Common Side Effects (Mild & Temporary)
😴 Drowsiness
😵 Dizziness
😡 Restlessness or mood changes
💧 Dry mouth
Serious Side Effects (Rare but Important to Know)
Serious Effect | What You Might Notice | Risk Factors |
---|---|---|
Uncontrollable movements (Tardive Dyskinesia) | Repetitive blinking, lip smacking | Long-term use (>12 weeks) |
Fever & Muscle Rigidity (NMS) | High fever, confusion | Rare but life-threatening |
Severe Depression | Feeling very low, suicidal thoughts | High doses, long-term use |
Tremors or Stiffness (EPS) | Shaking, slow movement | More common in elderly |
⚠️ If you experience severe mood changes, muscle stiffness, or involuntary movements, STOP the medication and seek medical help immediately.
Who Should Avoid Adco-Contromet?
This medication is not suitable for everyone. Avoid or use with caution if you have:
🚫 Parkinson’s Disease – Can worsen tremors.
🚫 Severe Depression – May increase suicidal thoughts.
🚫 Epilepsy – Can trigger seizures.
🚫 Severe Stomach Problems – Avoid if you have bleeding ulcers or blockages.
🚫 Pregnancy (3rd Trimester) – May cause complications for the baby.
Drug Interactions: What to Watch For
Adco-Contromet may interact with other medicines, affecting their effectiveness or causing side effects.
Medication Type | Interaction Effect |
---|---|
Opioids (Painkillers like Codeine, Morphine) | Increased drowsiness |
Antidepressants (SSRIs, TCAs) | Risk of serotonin syndrome |
Antipsychotics (Risperidone, Haloperidol) | Higher risk of movement disorders |
Diabetes Medicines (Insulin, Metformin) | May affect blood sugar levels |
Antacids (Magnesium Hydroxide) | May reduce effectiveness |
📌 Tip: If you’re taking other medications, check with your doctor before using Adco-Contromet.
Overdose: What to Do?
If you take too much Adco-Contromet, you may feel extremely drowsy, confused, or experience uncontrollable muscle movements.
Signs of Overdose:
⚠️ Extreme drowsiness or confusion
⚠️ Uncontrolled facial or limb movements
⚠️ Breathing problems
What to Do:
🆘 Stop taking the medicine immediately.
🆘 Call emergency services or go to a hospital.
🆘 If overdose was recent, activated charcoal may help reduce absorption.
How to Store & Handle Adco-Contromet
Storage Condition | Recommendation |
---|---|
Temperature | Store at room temperature (15-30°C) |
Moisture | Keep away from excessive moisture |
Light | Protect from direct sunlight |
Child Safety | Store out of reach of children |
Alternatives to Adco-Contromet
If Adco-Contromet is not suitable, your doctor may recommend alternatives:
Alternative Medicine | Drug Class | Used For |
---|---|---|
Domperidone | Dopamine Antagonist | Nausea, GERD |
Ondansetron (Zofran) | 5-HT3 Antagonist | Chemotherapy nausea |
Prochlorperazine | Phenothiazine | Motion sickness, severe nausea |
Final Thoughts: Should You Take Adco-Contromet?
Adco-Contromet is an effective medication for nausea, vomiting, and slow digestion, but it should be used with caution due to its potential side effects, especially with long-term use.
✅ Works well for nausea, reflux, and slow digestion.
❌ Should not be used for more than 12 weeks.
⚠️ Avoid if you have Parkinson’s, severe depression, or epilepsy.
👉 Always consult your doctor before starting or stopping this medication. If you notice severe side effects, stop immediately and seek medical help.
🔹 Have questions? Talk to your doctor or pharmacist today!
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