The effect of metoclopramide on the contraction of the human gallbladder

In a double blind study 45 patients were given either an i.v. injection of 20 mg Primperan (20 mg metoclopramide, Lundbeck, n = 15), 20 mg Metopram (20 mg metoclopramide, Leiras, n = 15) or a corresponding amount of physiological saline (n = 15) and the effect of metoclopramide on the human gallbladder was studied in x-ray examination of gallbladder. The gallstones do not appear to be a contraindication for the clinical use of metoclopramide as an antiemetic drug. No contraction of the gallbladder was demonstrated, even though metoclopramide has been shown to contact intestinal smooth muscle. Primperan caused more side effects than Metopram. Sedation seems to be the most common side effect of metoclopramide.