Contromet contains metoclopramide, an anti-sickness medicine. It is used for nausea and vomiting — after surgery, with migraine, during chemotherapy — and in conditions where the stomach empties too slowly. It is a short-term medicine: longer use carries a risk of involuntary movement side effects.
What is Contromet?
Contromet contains metoclopramide monohydrochloride — 10 mg per tablet, and 5 mg per 5 ml as a syrup. In the South African medicine registry it resolves to the same product as Adco-Contromet, supplied by Adcock Ingram, so if you have been dispensed one under either name you have the same medicine.
Metoclopramide does two things at once, which is why it is useful:
It reduces nausea. It blocks dopamine receptors in the part of the brain that triggers vomiting.
It speeds up stomach emptying. It acts on the gut itself, encouraging the stomach to empty into the small intestine. This is why it is described as a prokinetic as well as an antiemetic.
That second action matters more than people realise. Nausea often persists because the stomach is not emptying — after surgery, during a migraine, or in gastroparesis. Addressing that treats a cause rather than only the sensation. It is also why metoclopramide is given alongside migraine painkillers: by getting the stomach moving, it helps those tablets absorb when a migraine has stalled digestion.
It is a Schedule 4 medicine. Related products include Maxolon and Clopamon.
What is Contromet commonly used for?
Contromet is prescribed for:
- Nausea and vomiting after surgery.
- Nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Migraine, 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 for defined situations, 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.
In gastroenteritis it may ease vomiting, but fluid and salt replacement is the treatment that actually matters, particularly in children.
For fuller detail on the same medicine, see the Adco Contromet guide.
How Contromet fits into this medicine category
Contromet is an antiemetic, and the category sorts by what each group targets:
| Group | Examples | Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Antiemetics | Metoclopramide (Contromet), ondansetron | Nausea and vomiting |
| Antispasmodics | Hyoscine butylbromide, mebeverine | Cramping and spasm |
| Acid-reducing | Antacids, H2 blockers, PPIs | Reflux and heartburn |
| Bowel medicines | Laxatives, anti-diarrhoeals | Constipation, diarrhoea |
| Rehydration | Oral rehydration solution | Fluid loss in diarrhoea |
Metoclopramide’s prokinetic action places it partly across the antiemetic and acid-reducing groups, which is why it appears in reflux treatment as well. See the digestive, stomach and nausea medicines hub.
What to check before using Contromet
Check how long you are meant to take it. Metoclopramide is intended for short-term use — in most settings up to five days. That limit exists for a specific reason, 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, where it may increase seizure frequency.
- You have a history of movement disorders, or reacted 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 Parkinson’s medicines.
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, marked restlessness, or a fixed abnormal posture. These are extrapyramidal reactions. They usually appear early, are more common in younger people and at higher amounts, and are alarming when they occur.
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. They generally resolve with treatment but need prompt assessment.
With prolonged use there is a small risk of tardive dyskinesia — repetitive involuntary movements that may not fully resolve after stopping. That 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 or swelling, high fever with muscle stiffness and confusion, or if vomiting continues despite treatment. Where someone cannot keep fluids down — especially a child — dehydration is the more urgent concern.
Related medicine guides
- Browse Digestive, Stomach & Nausea Medicines guides
- Read: Hyospasmol used for
- Read: Adco Contromet used for
Frequently asked questions
What is Contromet used for? Nausea and vomiting — after surgery, with migraine, during chemotherapy — and conditions where the stomach empties too slowly.
Is Contromet the same as Adco-Contromet? Yes. Both are metoclopramide, and the South African registry lists them as the same product.
Will it help stomach cramps? Not directly. It targets nausea and stomach emptying. Cramping needs an antispasmodic.
How long can I take it? Short-term only, usually up to five days in most settings, because of the risk of movement-related side effects. Follow your prescriber’s instruction.
Why is it limited in young people? Involuntary muscle movements are considerably more common in children, teenagers and young adults.
What if I get muscle spasms or a stiff neck? Stop taking it and seek medical attention promptly. These reactions are treatable but need assessing.