Pharmacokinetics Metoclopramide is rapidly and well absorbed. Peak plasma concentrations occur at about 1-2 hr after a single oral dose. Similar time to peak is observed after individual doses at steady state. In a single dose study of 12 subjects the area under the drug concentration-time curve increases linearly with doses from 20 to 100 mg. Linear kinetic processes adequately describe the absorption and elimination of metoclopramide.
Renal impairment affects the clearance of metoclopramide.
The kinetics of metoclopramide in the presence of renal impairment remained linear however. The reduction in clearance as a result of renal impairment suggests that adjustment downward of maintenance dosage should be done to avoid drug cumulation.