Limitations of Use:

GIMOTI is not recommended for use in:

• pediatric patients due to the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia (TD) and other extrapyramidal symptoms as well as the risk of methemoglobinemia in neonates [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].
• moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C), moderate or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/minute), and patients concurrently using strong CYP2D6 inhibitors due to the risk of increased drug exposure and adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

2.1 Important Administration and Storage Instructions

• Avoid treatment with metoclopramide (all dosage forms and routes of administration) for longer than 12 weeks because of the increased risk of developing TD with longer-term use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
• One spray in one nostril administers the appropriate dose.
• Before administering the first dose from a bottle, prime the pump by pressing down on the finger flange and releasing 10 sprays in the air.
• Place the spray nozzle tip under one nostril and lean the head slightly forward so the tip of spray nozzle is aimed away from the septum and toward the back of the nose.
• Close the other nostril with the other index finger. Move spray pump upwards so the tip of the nozzle is in the nostril.
• To ensure a full dose, hold the bottle upright while pressing down firmly and completely on finger flange and release while inhaling slowly through the open nostril.
• Remove spray pump nozzle tip from nostril and exhale slowly through the mouth.
• Wipe the spray nozzle with a clean tissue.

2.2 Recommended Dosage

5.1 Tardive Dyskinesia

Metoclopramide can cause tardive dyskinesia (TD), a syndrome of potentially irreversible and disfiguring involuntary movements of the face or tongue, and sometimes of the trunk and/or extremities. Movements may be choreoathetotic in appearance. The risk of developing TD and the likelihood that TD will become irreversible increases with duration of treatment and total cumulative dosage. Additionally, the risk of developing TD is increased among the elderly, especially elderly women [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)], and in patients with diabetes mellitus. Due to the risk of developing TD, avoid treatment with metoclopramide for longer than 12 weeks. GIMOTI is not recommended in geriatric patients as initial therapy [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Discontinue GIMOTI immediately in patients who develop signs and symptoms of TD. Consider treatment for established cases of TD, although in some patients TD may remit, partially or completely, within several weeks to months after GIMOTI is withdrawn.

Metoclopramide itself may suppress, or partially suppress, the signs of TD, thereby masking the underlying disease process. The effect of this symptomatic suppression upon the long-term course of TD is unknown. GIMOTI is contraindicated in patients with a history of TD [see Contraindications (4)]. Avoid GIMOTI in patients receiving other drugs that are likely to cause TD (e.g., antipsychotics).

5.2 Other Extrapyramidal Symptoms

In addition to TD, metoclopramide may cause other extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), parkinsonian symptoms, and motor restlessness. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if such symptoms occur and to discontinue GIMOTI.

• Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), such as acute dystonic reactions, occurred in patients treated with oral metoclopramide dosages of 30 mg to 40 mg daily. Such reactions occurred more frequently in adults less than 30 years of age and at higher than recommended dosages. EPS occurred more frequently in pediatric patients compared to adults (GIMOTI is not approved for use in pediatric patients). Symptoms can occur in the first 24 to 48 hours after starting metoclopramide. Symptoms included involuntary movements of limbs and facial grimacing, torticollis, oculogyric crisis, rhythmic protrusion of tongue, bulbar type of speech, trismus, or dystonic reactions resembling tetanus. Rarely, dystonic reactions were present as stridor and dyspnea, possibly due to laryngospasm. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride or benztropine mesylate may be used to treat these adverse reactions. Avoid GIMOTI in patients receiving other drugs that can cause EPS (e.g., antipsychotics).
• Parkinsonian symptoms (bradykinesia, tremor, cogwheel rigidity, mask-like facies) have occurred after starting metoclopramide, more commonly within the first 6 months, but also after longer periods. Symptoms generally have subsided within 2 to 3 months after discontinuation of metoclopramide. Avoid GIMOTI in patients with Parkinson's disease and other patients being treated with antiparkinsonian drugs due to potential exacerbation of symptoms. Avoid treatment with metoclopramide (all dosage forms and routes of administration) for more than 12 weeks [see Dosage and Administration (2.1), Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
• Motor restlessness (akathisia) has developed and consisted of feelings of anxiety, agitation, jitteriness, and insomnia, as well as inability to sit still, pacing, and foot tapping. Discontinue GIMOTI if these symptoms develop.

5.3 Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Metoclopramide may cause a potentially fatal symptom complex called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). NMS has been reported in association with metoclopramide overdosage and concomitant treatment with another drug associated with NMS. Avoid GIMOTI in patients receiving other drugs associated with NMS, including typical and atypical antipsychotics.

Clinical manifestations of NMS include hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and manifestations of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and cardiac arrhythmias). Additional signs may include elevated creatine phosphokinase, myoglobinuria (rhabdomyolysis), and acute renal failure. Patients with such symptoms should be evaluated immediately.

In the diagnostic evaluation, consider the presence of other serious medical conditions (e.g., pneumonia, systemic infection) and untreated or inadequately treated extrapyramidal signs and symptoms. Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include central anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, malignant hyperthermia, drug fever, serotonin syndrome, and primary central nervous system pathology.

Management of NMS includes:

• Immediate discontinuation of GIMOTI and other drugs not essential to concurrent therapy [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
• Intensive symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring.
• Treatment of any concomitant serious medical problems for which specific treatments are available.

5.4 Depression

Depression has occurred in metoclopramide-treated patients with and without a history of depression. Symptoms have included suicidal ideation and suicide. Avoid GIMOTI use in patients with a history of depression.

5.5 Hypertension

Metoclopramide may elevate blood pressure. In one study in hypertensive patients, intravenously administered metoclopramide was shown to release catecholamines; hence, avoid GIMOTI use in patients with hypertension or in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

There are also clinical reports of hypertensive crises in patients with undiagnosed pheochromocytoma. GIMOTI is contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma or other catecholamine-releasing paragangliomas [see Contraindications (4)]. Discontinue GIMOTI in any patient with a rapid rise in blood pressure.

5.6 Fluid Retention

Because metoclopramide produces a transient increase in plasma aldosterone, patients with cirrhosis or congestive heart failure may be at risk of developing fluid retention and volume overload. Discontinue GIMOTI if any of these adverse reactions occur.

5.7 Hyperprolactinemia

As with other dopamine D2 receptor antagonists, metoclopramide elevates prolactin levels. Hyperprolactinemia may suppress hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone, resulting in reduced pituitary gonadotropin secretion. This, in turn, may inhibit reproductive function by impairing gonadal steroidogenesis in both female and male patients. Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence have been reported with prolactin-elevating drugs, including metoclopramide.

Hyperprolactinemia may potentially stimulate prolactin-dependent breast cancer. However, some clinical studies and epidemiology studies have not shown an association between administration of dopamine D2 receptor antagonists and tumorigenesis in humans [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].

5.8 Effects on the Ability to Drive and Operate Machinery

Metoclopramide may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of hazardous tasks such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Concomitant use of central nervous system (CNS) depressants or drugs associated with EPS may increase this effect (e.g., alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, opiates, and anxiolytics). Avoid GIMOTI or the interacting drug, depending on the importance of the drug to the patient [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

5.9 Risk of Adverse Reactions with GIMOTI in Patients with Moderate or Severe Renal and Hepatic Impairment, CYP2D6 Poor Metabolizers and Patients Taking Strong CYP2D6 Inhibitors

Patients with moderate or severe renal or hepatic impairment, patients who are CYP2D6 poor metabolizers, and patients concurrently using strong CYP2D6 inhibitors have increased exposure to metoclopramide from GIMOTI due to reduced metabolism or excretion which may lead to an increased risk of adverse reactions, including tardive dyskinesia. Use of GIMOTI is not recommended in these patient populations since the dose of GIMOTI cannot be adjusted to reduce exposure [see Drug Interactions (7.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.6, 8.7, 8.9)].

Safety of GIMOTI

In a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 190 male and female patients of GIMOTI 14 mg, a slightly lower than recommended dosage, administered nasally four times daily for 4 weeks, dysgeusia was the most commonly reported adverse reaction (15% of GIMOTI-treated patients and 4% of placebo-treated patients). Other adverse reactions were similar to those reported for oral metoclopramide.

Safety of Oral Metoclopramide

The most common adverse reactions (in approximately 10% of patients receiving the recommended oral metoclopramide dosage of 10 mg four times daily) were restlessness, drowsiness, fatigue, and lassitude. In general, the incidence of adverse reactions correlated with the dosage and duration of metoclopramide administration.

Adverse reactions, especially those involving the nervous system, occurred after stopping metoclopramide including dizziness, nervousness, and headaches.

Central Nervous System Disorders

• Tardive dyskinesia, acute dystonic reactions, drug-induced parkinsonism, akathisia, and other extrapyramidal symptoms
• Convulsive seizures
• Hallucinations
• Restlessness, drowsiness, fatigue, and lassitude occurred in approximately 10% of patients who received metoclopramide orally 10 mg four times daily. Insomnia, headache, confusion, dizziness, or depression with suicidal ideation occurred less frequently.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, serotonin syndrome (in combination with serotonergic agents)

Endocrine Disorders: Fluid retention secondary to transient elevation of aldosterone, galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, impotence secondary to hyperprolactinemia

Cardiovascular Disorders: Acute congestive heart failure, possible atrioventricular block, hypotension, hypertension, supraventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, fluid retention

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Nausea, bowel disturbances (primarily diarrhea)

Hepatic Disorders: Hepatotoxicity, characterized by, e.g., jaundice and altered liver function tests, when metoclopramide was administered with other drugs with known hepatotoxic potential

Renal and Urinary Disorders: Urinary frequency, urinary incontinence

Hematologic Disorders: Agranulocytosis, neutropenia, leukopenia, methemoglobinemia, sulfhemoglobinemia

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Bronchospasm (especially in patients with a history of asthma), urticaria, rash, angioedema, including glossal or laryngeal edema

Eye Disorders: Visual disturbances

Metabolism Disorders: Porphyria

7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Metoclopramide

Table 1 displays the effects of other drugs on metoclopramide.

7.2 Effects of Metoclopramide on Other Drugs

Table 2 displays the effects of metoclopramide on other drugs.

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.4 Pediatric Use

Metoclopramide is not recommended for use in pediatric patients due to the risk of tardive dyskinesia (TD) and other extrapyramidal symptoms as well as the risk of methemoglobinemia in neonates. The safety and effectiveness of GIMOTI in pediatric patients have not been established.

Dystonias and other extrapyramidal symptoms associated with metoclopramide are more common in pediatric patients than in adults [see Indications and Usage (1), Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2)]. In addition, neonates have reduced levels of NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase, making them more susceptible to methemoglobinemia, a possible adverse reaction of metoclopramide use in neonates [see Use in Specific Populations (8.8)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

Metoclopramide is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions, including tardive dyskinesia (TD), may be greater in patients with impaired renal function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function and may be more sensitive to the adverse effects of metoclopramide, especially elderly women, and require a lower starting dosage. GIMOTI is not recommended in geriatric patients as initial therapy. Geriatric patients receiving an alternative metoclopramide product at a stable dosage of 10 mg four times daily can be switched to GIMOTI [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

8.6 Renal Impairment

The clearance of metoclopramide is decreased and the systemic exposure is increased in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment compared to patients with normal renal function, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. GIMOTI is not recommended in patients with moderate and severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/minute), including those receiving hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]. Use the recommended dosage of GIMOTI in patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 60 mL/minute or greater) [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

8.7 Hepatic Impairment

Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) have reduced systemic metoclopramide clearance (by approximately 50%) compared to patients with normal hepatic function [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The resulting increase in metoclopramide blood concentrations increases the risk of adverse reactions. There are no pharmacokinetic data in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B). GIMOTI is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe (Child-Pugh B or C) hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]. Use the recommended dosage of GIMOTI in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A) [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Metoclopramide, by producing a transient increase in plasma aldosterone, may increase the risk of fluid retention in patients with hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. Monitor patients with hepatic impairment for the occurrence of fluid retention and volume overload.

8.8 NADH-Cytochrome b5 Reductase Deficiency

Metoclopramide-treated patients with NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency are at an increased risk of developing methemoglobinemia and/or sulfhemoglobinemia. For patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency with metoclopramide-induced methemoglobinemia, methylene blue treatment is not recommended. Methylene blue may cause hemolytic anemia in patients with G6PD deficiency, which may be fatal [see Overdosage (10)].

8.9 CYP2D6 Poor Metabolizers

Metoclopramide is a substrate of CYP2D6. The elimination of metoclopramide may be slowed in patients who are CYP2D6 poor metabolizers (compared to patients who are CYP2D6 intermediate, extensive, or ultra-rapid metabolizers), possibly increasing the risk of dystonic and other adverse reactions to metoclopramide [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. GIMOTI is not recommended in patients who are CYP2D6 poor metabolizers [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Metoclopramide stimulates motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract without stimulating gastric, biliary, or pancreatic secretions. The exact mechanism of action of metoclopramide in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and acute and recurrent diabetic gastroparesis has not been fully established. It seems to sensitize tissues to the action of acetylcholine. The effect of metoclopramide on motility is not dependent on intact vagal innervation, but it can be abolished by anticholinergic drugs.

Metoclopramide increases the tone and amplitude of gastric (especially antral) contractions, relaxes the pyloric sphincter and the duodenal bulb, and increases peristalsis of the duodenum and jejunum resulting in accelerated gastric emptying and intestinal transit. It increases the resting tone of the lower esophageal sphincter. It has little, if any, effect on the motility of the colon or gallbladder.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) excursions permitted 15°C to 30°C (59°F and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Discard GIMOTI 4 weeks after opening even if the bottle contains unused medicine.

Adverse Reactions

Inform the patients or their caregivers that metoclopramide can cause serious adverse reactions. Instruct patients to discontinue GIMOTI and contact a healthcare provider immediately if the following serious reactions occur:

• Tardive dyskinesia and/or other extrapyramidal reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2)]
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Depression and/or possible suicidal ideation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

Inform the patient or their caregiver that metoclopramide can cause drowsiness or dizziness, or otherwise impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of hazardous tasks such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Drug Interactions

Inform the patients or their caregivers that concomitant treatment with numerous other medications can precipitate or worsen serious adverse reactions such as tardive dyskinesia or other extrapyramidal reactions, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and CNS depression [see Drug Interactions (7.1, 7.2)]. Explain that the prescriber of any other medication must be made aware that the patient is taking GIMOTI.

Administration Instructions [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]

Advise the patients or their caregiver to read the Instructions for Use on how to appropriately administer GIMOTI:

• Avoid treatment with metoclopramide (all dosage forms and routes of administration) for longer than 12 weeks because of the increased risk of developing TD with longer-term use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
• One spray in one nostril administers the appropriate dose.
• Before administering the first dose from a bottle, prime the pump by pressing down on the finger flange and releasing 10 sprays in the air.
• Place the spray nozzle tip under one nostril and lean the head slightly forward so the tip of spray nozzle is aimed away from the septum and toward the back of the nose.
• Close the other nostril with the other index finger. Move spray pump upwards so the tip of the nozzle is in the nostril.
• To ensure a full dose, hold the bottle upright while pressing down firmly and completely on finger flange and release while inhaling slowly through the open nostril.
• Remove spray pump nozzle tip from nostril and exhale slowly through the mouth.
• Wipe the spray nozzle with a clean tissue.