Glossary

A-F • G-K • L-P • Q-Z

A-F

Acid reflux: See gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Antacid: A substance that prevents, neutralizes, or counteracts acid in the stomach.
Bloating: Mild or intense abdominal pain caused by a buildup of liquids and gas in the stomach and intestines.
Delayed gastric emptying: See gastroparesis.
Diabetes: A disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that converts food into energy.
Diabetic gastroparesis: A condition in which the stomach of a person with diabetes empties more slowly than normal.
Digestive system: A system in the body that breaks down food and liquids to provide the body with nutrients and to dispose of waste. It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.
Esophagus: A muscular tube through which food travels to the stomach.

G-K

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A condition in which acid from the stomach enters the esophagus, causing discomfort and, over time, damage to the esophagus. Also see refractory GERD.
Gastroparesis: A condition in which the stomach empties more slowly than normal.
Glucagon: A hormone that increases the amount of glucose in the blood.
Heartburn: A burning sensation under the breastbone.
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC): Cells that act as pacemakers to help time muscle contractions in the digestive system.

L-P

Lower esophageal sphincter (LES): A valve between the esophagus and the stomach that helps prevent acidic contents from entering the esophagus.
Metoclopramide: A prokinetic medicine that helps increase the speed at which food moves through the digestive system. Approved to treat symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis and refractory GERD.
Nausea: Having the urge to vomit.
Orally disintegrating tablet (ODT): A tablet that rapidly melts on a person’s tongue and does not require liquid, unlike traditional tablets that must be swallowed with a liquid and break down in the stomach after some time.
Prokinetic medication (promotility agent): A type of medicine that increases coordination of muscle contractions so that food and liquid can move through the digestive system efficiently.
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI): A type of medicine that reduces the production of acid by blocking the enzyme in the stomach wall that produces acid. Used for the treatment of GERD and other acid-related conditions.
Pyloric valve: A muscle that separates the stomach from the small intestine.

Q-Z

Refractory GERD: GERD that has shown to be resistant to standard acid reflux medications. Also see gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Regurgitation: The return of partly digested food or liquid from the stomach to the mouth.
Risk factor: Any condition or behavior—such as age, sex, or smoking—that increases the possibility of developing a disease.
Small intestine: The upper part of the intestines where most digestion takes place and nutrients are absorbed by the blood.
Stomach: A saclike organ that helps store food for digestion.
Symptom: Subjective evidence that someone may have a certain ailment or disease. Usually sensations only the patient can perceive.
Vagus nerve: A nerve that aids in contraction in the digestive system. Longest of the cranial nerves that supplies sensation, motor, and secretory impulses to the digestive system.
Vomiting: A painful act that occurs when the contents of a person’s stomach are forced up the esophagus and out of the mouth.
Zydis® technology: An innovative, freeze-dried technology that makes it possible for certain medications to be delivered as orally disintegrating tablets.

Zydis is a registered trademark of Catalent Pharma Solutions.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Treatment with metoclopramide can cause tardive dyskinesia, a serious movement disorder that is often irreversible. The risk of developing tardive dyskinesia increases with the duration of treatment and the total cumulative dose.
Metoclopramide therapy should be discontinued in patients who develop signs or symptoms of tardive dyskinesia. There is no known treatment for tardive dyskinesia. In some patients, symptoms may lessen or resolve after metoclopramide treatment is stopped.
Treatment with metoclopramide for longer than 12 weeks should be avoided in all but rare cases where therapeutic benefit is thought to outweigh the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia.

METOZOLV™ ODT (metoclopramide HCl) is indicated as short-term therapy for adults with symptomatic, documented gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who fail to respond to conventional therapy and for the relief of symptoms associated with acute and recurrent diabetic gastroparesis (diabetic gastric stasis) in adults. Therapy should not exceed 12 weeks in duration. METOZOLV ODT is contraindicated in patients with intestinal obstruction, hemorrhage, or perforation; pheochromocytoma; known sensitivity or intolerance to metoclopramide; epilepsy; or are receiving concomitant medications with extrapyramidal reactions. METOZOLV ODT should be used with caution in patients showing acute dystonic reactions, drug-induced Parkinsonism, or other extrapyramidal symptoms; neuroleptic malignant syndrome; with a prior history of depression; hypertension; congestive heart failure and ventricular arrhythmia. Patients may experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping the use of METOZOLV ODT.

In clinical studies, the most frequently reported adverse events (≥2% occurrence) were headache, nausea, fatigue, somnolence, and vomiting.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information for Metozolv ODT, including BOXED WARNING.