Extrapyramidal reactions to metoclopramide and prochlorperazine

Abstract

We have investigated prospectively the incidence of extrapyramidal events amongst patients receiving 'first' prescriptions for metoclopramide (n = 2557) and prochlorperazine (n = 2811) from general practitioners in the Northern Region using community pharmacists to capture prescriptions. There were 12 reports of acute dystonic-dyskinetic events following metoclopramide and the incidence of this reaction was significantly greater in those under 30 years than in those 30 years and over. Following prochlorperazine there were eight reports of Parkinsonism in patients whose ages were known; seven were over 60 years. The incidence in those over 60 years was significantly higher than in those less than 60 years.