Oculogyric Crisis in Early Pregnancy: Lessons Learned From a Rare Adverse Effect of Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is a widely prescribed antiemetic, particularly in pregnancy, for managing nausea and vomiting. While it is considered safe in most cases, rare extrapyramidal side effects such as acute dystonia with oculogyric crisis can occur. Here, we present a case of a 12-week pregnant woman who developed acute dystonia with oculogyric crisis after treatment with metoclopramide. Oral trihexyphenidyl (Benzhexol) led to rapid symptom resolution. This case emphasizes the need for awareness of rare adverse drug reactions and the importance of early recognition to prevent further complications.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-02-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.78522
Primary Topic
Sympathectomy and Hyperhidrosis Treatments
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Oculogyric Crisis in Early Pregnancy: Lessons Learned From a Rare Adverse Effect of Metoclopramide

Kajananan Sivagurunathan, Nalayini Jegathesan, Peranantharajah Thampipillai, Prashanthan Kaneshamoorthy
Cureus
Sympathectomy and Hyperhidrosis Treatments
article

Oculogyric Crisis in Early Pregnancy: Lessons Learned From a Rare Adverse Effect of Metoclopramide

Kajananan Sivagurunathan, Nalayini Jegathesan, Peranantharajah Thampipillai, Prashanthan Kaneshamoorthy
article en

Abstract

Metoclopramide is a widely prescribed antiemetic, particularly in pregnancy, for managing nausea and vomiting. While it is considered safe in most cases, rare extrapyramidal side effects such as acute dystonia with oculogyric crisis can occur. Here, we present a case of a 12-week pregnant woman who developed acute dystonia with oculogyric crisis after treatment with metoclopramide. Oral trihexyphenidyl (Benzhexol) led to rapid symptom resolution. This case emphasizes the need for awareness of rare adverse drug reactions and the importance of early recognition to prevent further complications.

CureusVol. 17(2)
Jaffna Teaching Hospital (LK)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 97%
Sympathectomy and Hyperhidrosis Treatments
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