A pharmacokinetic study of high-dose metoclopramide suppositories

The pharmacokinetics of high-dose rectal metoclopramide have been studied in nine patients after administration of 150-mg suppositories. The results have been compared to the pharmacokinetics of the drug in five patients who received the same dose of metoclopramide intravenously. Administration of a metoclopramide suppository achieved plasma drug concentrations that are associated with the effective treatment of cytotoxic drug-induced nausea and vomiting. In three patients who received the drug by both routes the systemic availability of the suppository appeared to be complete. High-dose metoclopramide suppositories are convenient and may be advantageous in the treatment of medical oncology out-patients.