Adco-Contromet:Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Safety Tips

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?

Adco Contromet

This medication blocks a chemical in your body called dopamine, which controls nausea and digestion speed. By blocking dopamine:

EffectHow it Helps You
Reduces nausea signalsStops vomiting & nausea
Speeds up stomach emptyingHelps with reflux & bloating
Strengthens food pipe musclesPrevents acid from rising

Dosage & How to Take It

Typical Dosage Guide:

ConditionDosageDuration
Nausea & Vomiting10 mg, 3 times dailyUp to 5 days
Acid Reflux (GERD)10 mg, 3 times dailyAs needed
Gastroparesis10 mg, 3-4 times dailyUp to 12 weeks
Migraine10 mg injection or tabletAs 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 EffectWhat You Might NoticeRisk Factors
Uncontrollable movements (Tardive Dyskinesia)Repetitive blinking, lip smackingLong-term use (>12 weeks)
Fever & Muscle Rigidity (NMS)High fever, confusionRare but life-threatening
Severe DepressionFeeling very low, suicidal thoughtsHigh doses, long-term use
Tremors or Stiffness (EPS)Shaking, slow movementMore 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 TypeInteraction 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 ConditionRecommendation
TemperatureStore at room temperature (15-30°C)
MoistureKeep away from excessive moisture
LightProtect from direct sunlight
Child SafetyStore out of reach of children

Alternatives to Adco-Contromet

If Adco-Contromet is not suitable, your doctor may recommend alternatives:

Alternative MedicineDrug ClassUsed For
DomperidoneDopamine AntagonistNausea, GERD
Ondansetron (Zofran)5-HT3 AntagonistChemotherapy nausea
ProchlorperazinePhenothiazineMotion 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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