Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 3, 2025

Rating L-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesias in the Unilaterally 6-OHDA-Lesioned Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease
Published on: October 4, 2021
[Tardive akathisia after long-term metoclopramide treatment]
Astrid Johannesson Hjelholt1, Charlotte Uggerhøj Andersen, Charlotte Steffensen
1ajh@clin.au.dkk.
Abstract:
This case report describes a 57-year-old male with symptoms of tardive akathisia after long-term metoclopramide treatment. As metoclopramide is a dopamine receptor antagonist, it has the potential to cause drug-induced movement disorders, including akathisia, which is characterised by an inner restlessness resulting in a need for constant movement. Tardive akathisia, in contrast to acute akathisia, evolves after prolonged exposure to the triggering medication and can be a permanent condition. Treatment duration of metoclopramide should be restricted, and awareness of neurological side effects is important.
Insights
Long-term metoclopramide use can cause tardive akathisia, a movement disorder characterized by inner restlessness. Healthcare providers should limit treatment duration and monitor for neurological side effects.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Metoclopramide, a dopamine receptor antagonist, is frequently used for gastrointestinal disorders.
- Drug-induced movement disorders are a known class of adverse effects associated with dopamine receptor antagonists.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of tardive akathisia.
- The patient had a history of long-term metoclopramide treatment.
Findings:
- The case report links prolonged metoclopramide exposure to the development of tardive akathisia.
- Tardive akathisia is distinguished from acute akathisia by its delayed onset after extended medication use and potential permanence.
Implications:
- Restricting the duration of metoclopramide treatment is crucial to mitigate the risk of developing tardive akathisia.
- Increased clinical awareness of metoclopramide's potential neurological side effects, particularly movement disorders, is warranted.
More Related Videos
07:02A Computerized Test Battery to Study Pharmacodynamic Effects on the Central Nervous System of Cholinergic Drugs in Early Phase Drug Development
Published on: February 11, 2019
07:41Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice
Published on: February 3, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis