Effect of metoclopramide on gastric emptying during labour

The effect of a single dose of metoclopramide (Maxolon) on the gastric emptying rate of a liquid test meal was measured in a group of parturient women by a double-sampling dye-dilution technique. The subjects were given either metoclopramide 10 mg or sterile water by intramuscular injection on a double-blind random basis at the start of the test. The gastric emptying rate was significantly increased in those women who had received the metoclopramide as compared with those who had received the placebo.