The effect of metoclopramide on the absorption of oral controlled release morphine

The pharmacokinetics of oral controlled release morphine and metoclopramide were investigated in 20 patients in a double-blind, randomly allocated study. The concurrent administration of metoclopramide and oral controlled release morphine led to a faster onset and increased level of sedation compared with the administration of oral controlled release morphine alone. Whilst the increased sedation may be advantageous in anaesthetic practice, it may be a potential problem in patients starting longer term therapy with these drugs.