Comparing efficacy and safety of metoclopramide as continuous intravenous infusion and intravenous bolus injection on enteral nutrition tolerance in critically ill patients

The goals of this single center, open labeled, randomized, clinical trial are comparing efficacy and safety of metoclopramide as continuous intravenous infusion and intravenous bolus injection on enteral feeding tolerance in critically ill patients. Critically ill adult patients who are candidate to receive metoclopramide as prokinetic agent due to enteral feeding intolerance for at least 7 days during their ICU stay will be included. Patients with history of metoclopramide allergy, intolerance or any contraindication will be excluded. In this study, 40 eligible patients admitted in the general ICU of Imam Khomeini Hospital, will be assigned to receive metoclopramide 10 mg every 6 hours as slow intravenous injection within 3 minutes ( group A) or metoclopramide 40mg/24-hour as continuous intravenous infusion ( Group B) for 7 days. During the study period, patients will be monitored as daily interval for enteral feeding intolerance including clinical signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal intolerance (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and regurgitation) and gastric residual volume. Hemodynamic, cardiovascular and neurological monitoring will be considered for all patients during the study period. Also patients will be followed for any adverse reaction related to metoclopramide. At the end of the study, efficacy and safety of two methods of metoclopramide administration will be compared in the patients.

Vice Chancellor for Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences