Adco-Contromet contains metoclopramide, an anti-sickness medicine. It is used for nausea and vomiting — after surgery, with migraine, during chemotherapy, and in some digestive conditions where the stomach empties too slowly. It is intended for short-term use, because longer use carries a risk of movement-related side effects.
What is Adco Contromet?
Adco-Contromet contains metoclopramide hydrochloride, 10 mg per tablet, and is supplied in South Africa by Adcock Ingram. It also comes as a syrup.
Metoclopramide does two things at once, which is why it is useful. It blocks dopamine receptors in the part of the brain that triggers vomiting, reducing the sensation of nausea. And it acts on the gut itself, encouraging the stomach to empty into the small intestine — which is why it is described as a prokinetic as well as an antiemetic.
That second action matters. Nausea often persists because the stomach is not emptying properly — after surgery, during a migraine, or in gastroparesis. Speeding that up addresses the cause rather than just the sensation, and it is also why metoclopramide is sometimes given alongside migraine painkillers, helping them absorb.
It is a Schedule 4 medicine in South Africa. The same ingredient is dispensed as Contromet, Maxolon, Clopamon and plain metoclopramide.
What is Adco Contromet commonly used for?
Adco-Contromet is prescribed for nausea and vomiting, and for conditions where slow stomach emptying is part of the problem:
- Nausea and vomiting after surgery.
- Nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Migraine, both for the nausea and to help oral painkillers absorb.
- Gastroparesis, where the stomach empties too slowly, often associated with diabetes.
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux, in some circumstances.
- Before certain procedures, to empty the stomach.
It is a prescription medicine used for defined reasons, not a general remedy for an upset stomach. For everyday nausea a pharmacist can advise on suitable options, and for cramping pain an antispasmodic such as Hyospasmol targets a different problem entirely.
One thing it does not do: treat the cause of an infection. In gastroenteritis it may ease vomiting, but fluid and salt replacement is the treatment that actually matters, particularly in children.
How Adco Contromet fits into this medicine category
Within digestive and stomach medicines, Adco-Contromet is an antiemetic, and the category divides fairly cleanly by target:
- Antiemetics — metoclopramide, and others such as ondansetron and prochlorperazine — reduce nausea and vomiting.
- Antispasmodics — hyoscine butylbromide, mebeverine — relieve cramping.
- Acid-reducing medicines — antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors — treat reflux and heartburn.
- Bowel medicines — laxatives and anti-diarrhoeals.
- Rehydration products, which matter most in diarrhoea.
Metoclopramide’s prokinetic action places it slightly across the first and third groups, which is why it appears in reflux treatment as well as anti-sickness. Matching the group to the symptom is most of the work — see the digestive, stomach and nausea medicines hub.
What to check before using Adco Contromet
Check how long you are meant to take it. Metoclopramide is intended for short-term use — in most settings up to five days. This is not a cautious convention; it reflects a specific risk covered below.
Tell your prescriber or pharmacist if:
- The medicine is for a child, teenager or young adult. Movement-related side effects are considerably more common in younger people, and metoclopramide is restricted or avoided in some age groups.
- You have Parkinson’s disease. Metoclopramide blocks dopamine and can worsen it markedly.
- You have epilepsy. It may increase seizure frequency.
- You have a history of movement disorders, or of a reaction to an antipsychotic medicine.
- You have kidney or liver disease.
- You have a bowel obstruction, perforation or recent gut surgery — speeding up the gut would be harmful.
- You have had gastrointestinal bleeding.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You take antipsychotics, antidepressants, opioids or medicines for Parkinson’s.
Follow the dispensing label. This page does not set doses.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
The movement side effects are the reason for the short-course rule. Metoclopramide can cause involuntary muscle movements — spasms of the face, neck, jaw or eyes, restlessness, or a fixed abnormal posture. These are called extrapyramidal reactions. They usually appear early in treatment, are more common in younger people and at higher amounts, and are frightening when they happen.
Stop and seek medical attention immediately for uncontrolled muscle movements, a stiff or twisted neck, difficulty speaking or swallowing, unusual eye movements, or severe restlessness. These generally resolve with treatment, but they need assessing promptly.
With prolonged use there is a small risk of tardive dyskinesia — repetitive involuntary movements which may not fully resolve after stopping. This is the specific reason treatment is kept short.
Expect drowsiness in some people. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.
Alcohol adds to the sedation.
Seek medical advice for a rash, swelling, high fever with muscle stiffness and confusion, or if vomiting continues despite treatment. In a child, or where someone cannot keep fluids down, dehydration is the more immediate concern — seek help early.
Related medicine guides
Frequently asked questions
What is Adco-Contromet used for? Nausea and vomiting — after surgery, with migraine, during chemotherapy — and conditions where the stomach empties too slowly.
Will it help stomach cramps? Not directly. It targets nausea and stomach emptying. Cramping needs an antispasmodic, and a pharmacist can point you to one.
How long can I take it? Short-term only, usually up to five days in most settings. Longer use raises the risk of movement-related side effects. Follow your prescriber’s instruction.
Why is it restricted in young people? Involuntary muscle movements are considerably more common in children, teenagers and young adults, so its use in those groups is limited or avoided.
Can I drive while taking it? Not until you know how it affects you — it causes drowsiness in some people.
What should I do if I get muscle spasms or a stiff neck? Stop taking it and seek medical attention promptly. These reactions are treatable but need assessing.