Oculogyric Crisis in Early Pregnancy: Lessons Learned From a Rare Adverse Effect of Metoclopramide

Kajananan Sivagurunathan1, Prashanthan Kaneshamoorthy1, Nalayini Jegathesan1

  • 1Internal Medicine, Teaching Hospital Jaffna, Jaffna, LKA.

Cureus
|March 10, 2025
PubMed

Metoclopramide is a widely prescribed antiemetic, particularly in pregnancy, for managing nausea and vomiting. While it is considered safe in most cases, rare extrapyramidal side effects such as acute dystonia with oculogyric crisis can occur. Here, we present a case of a 12-week pregnant woman who developed acute dystonia with oculogyric crisis after treatment with metoclopramide. Oral trihexyphenidyl (Benzhexol) led to rapid symptom resolution. This case emphasizes the need for awareness of rare adverse drug reactions and the importance of early recognition to prevent further complications.

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