The first weeks of pregnancy are very difficult for expectant mothers. Psychological tension arises, because even if the pregnancy is planned, the woman worries about how her life will change. And physical suffering is added to the psychological stress; most expectant mothers “get acquainted” with such an unpleasant phenomenon as toxicosis in the first weeks. Let's figure out whether Cerucal can be recommended during pregnancy, because this drug relieves nausea well.

The severity of toxicosis in the early stages varies. A few lucky women experience only mild discomfort, but most women suffer from constant nausea, vomiting and other unpleasant symptoms. In severe cases, a woman needs medical help, but self-medication is unacceptable. Therefore, you should not listen to your girlfriends, you need to contact a specialist.

Why do you feel sick?

The development of toxicosis is promoted by two reasons:

• a sharp change in hormonal balance associated with pregnancy;
• metabolic products secreted by the developing embryo.

After the placenta is formed, all the negative symptoms of toxicosis will pass, but in the early stages it is rare that a woman does not experience negative feelings. In everyday life, Cerucal is often used to get rid of nausea, but is it possible to take Cerucal during pregnancy?

Description

Cerucal is an antiemetic drug; its effect is to normalize the tone of the digestive system. The active substance is metoclopramide, this substance:

• prevents the passage of nerve impulses to the sensitive cells of the medulla oblongata;
• makes nerve endings less sensitive, which ensure the passage of nerve impulses from the digestive organs to the centers that regulate reverse peristalsis.

In other words, the drug blocks connections between the nerve endings of the mucous membranes of the digestive organs and the brain. As a result, the brain center does not receive signals about the arrival of food and, accordingly, no signals are sent to contract the stomach muscles. Therefore, after taking the drug, nausea goes away and vomiting stops.

Available in tablet form, as well as in the form of a solution for intravenous or intramuscular administration. The method of administration is chosen by the doctor. So, if there is severe vomiting, it will be difficult to take pills; in this case, injections are recommended.

Indications

Cerucal can be prescribed to expectant mothers in the following cases:

• to eliminate bouts of vomiting;
• with decreased stomach tone;
• with reflux esophagitis;
• with impaired motility of the gallbladder.

As can be seen from the indications, the remedy can bring the greatest benefit at the beginning of pregnancy, because it is then that most expectant mothers encounter unpleasant manifestations of toxicosis. Meanwhile, the instructions indicate that the drug is prohibited for use in the initial trimester.

Advice! The instructions indicate that the drug can be recommended for use only in the fourth month, that is, at a time when the manifestations of toxicosis disappear on their own.

Why is it prohibited?

For what reason does the instruction prohibit the use of Cerucal in the early stages? The fact is that this remedy increases the tone of the stomach. And it will have the same effect on the walls of the uterus. That is, taking Cerucal can provoke the development of uterine hypertonicity, and this is unsafe for the fetus, as it can provoke the development of spontaneous abortion.

In addition, some experts believe that Cerucal can negatively affect the development of the baby. Therefore, the appointment of Cerucal in the initial trimester is justified only if the benefits of taking it significantly outweigh the possible risks.

Advice! It is clear that only a specialist can correctly assess the risks. Self-medication with Cerucal should be strictly excluded during pregnancy. Self-administration can cause harm to the baby, in addition, improper treatment can aggravate the course of toxicosis.

In what cases is use justified?

If the instructions prohibit taking Cerucal in the first 12 weeks, and after this period the drug becomes irrelevant (symptoms of toxicosis disappear on their own), then the drug can be called useless during pregnancy. However, it is still sometimes prescribed to expectant mothers. In what cases will it be useful?

• With very severe toxicosis. This condition not only causes discomfort to the woman, but is dangerous for the baby. In the event that taking the drug creates fewer risks than no treatment, Cerucal may be prescribed.

• In the event that toxicosis does not go away after 12 weeks. In some women, symptoms of toxicosis in the early stages continue into the second trimester. The use of Cerucal after the 13th week is considered safer, but, nevertheless, you cannot self-medicate. After all, the ability of this drug to increase the tone of the uterus does not go away, so this drug is used with caution.

Advice! Most often, toxicosis lasts longer than 12 weeks during multiple pregnancies.

How to use?

• If vomiting occurs periodically, it is recommended to take the drug in tablets. The effect of the drug can be noticed within half an hour;
• for severe symptoms and persistent vomiting, injections are recommended. In this case, the therapeutic effect will appear faster, vomiting will stop after about 3-5 minutes if the drug was administered intravenously or after a quarter of an hour if administered intramuscularly;

• if tablets are prescribed, then you need to take one tablet three or four times a day;
• It is recommended to take the tablets with plain water; drinking milk, tea or compote for this purpose is not recommended, this will reduce the therapeutic effect;
• It is forbidden to take Cerucal tablets together with sorbents, for example, activated carbon. If two drugs are prescribed at once, then you need to take them with an interval between doses, the interval should be at least an hour;
• when using injections, the maximum single dose is 2 ml. Up to 12 such doses can be administered per day.

Precautionary measures

You need to understand that despite the fact that Cerucal can be used from the second trimester, this drug is prescribed with great caution. The product has a number of contraindications and may cause side effects. Contraindications include:

• intolerance to the components of the drug;
• the presence of neoplasms dependent on the production of the hormone prolactin;
• stomach bleeding;
• intestinal obstruction;

• bronchial asthma;
• epilepsy;
• pregnancy - first trimester, starting from the second trimester you can use the drug, but with caution;
• the drug is prescribed with extreme caution for renal failure.

The use of the drug may cause the development of side effects. The following reactions may occur:

• from the central nervous system - dizziness, migraines, anxiety, unreasonable feelings of panic, a tendency to depression, the appearance of tinnitus. Less common are involuntary muscle contractions in the face and neck. In exceptional cases, the development of neuroleptic syndrome was noted;
• from the cardiovascular system: development of tachycardia, increase or decrease in blood pressure;

• from the gastrointestinal tract: digestive disorders, changes in taste, constant dry mouth;
• from the hormonal system: increased production of prolactin;

Advice! Prolactin is a hormone that prepares the breasts for breastfeeding, the same hormone promotes contraction of the uterus. For this reason, the use of Cerucal for the treatment of pregnant women is used only when absolutely necessary.

• from the immune system: the development of allergic reactions, most often urticaria.

The tendency to develop negative side effects increases when recommended dosages are exceeded, as well as in patients with impaired renal function. And since in pregnant women the urinary system works with double the load, they are at risk for developing negative reactions to taking the drug. If the above or other negative reactions occur, you should consult your doctor.

So, Cerucal during pregnancy can be recommended for use in exceptional cases, when the harm from lack of treatment is greater than the risk of negative effects of the drug. The drug can only be taken as prescribed by a specialist. Self-medication and unauthorized increase in the dose of the drug should be excluded.

Regular nausea reduces appetite, and vomiting after eating not only dehydrates the mother's body, but also deprives it of nutrients necessary for the normal development of the child. The antiemetic drug Cerucal helps cope with the symptoms of severe toxicosis in pregnant women. But there are reasons that do not allow some women to take it while pregnant.

Taking Cerucal during pregnancy - instructions for use

Indications for use. This drug is often prescribed as a remedy for toxicosis in pregnant women. It is capable of blocking certain receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which stops the transmission of impulses to the vomiting center, and as a result, the symptoms of toxicosis disappear.

1. Cerucal injections cause a rapid pharmacological effect: intravenously - within 1-3 minutes, intramuscularly - after 15 minutes.

For IM and IV use, the dosage must be observed - 10 ml of solution 3-4 times a day.

2. The tablet form begins to act no earlier than 30 minutes after administration.

The dosage is selected by the doctor according to the health status of the pregnant woman (the presence or absence of problems with the liver and/or kidneys).

The course of treatment can last from 2 to 4 weeks, in rare cases – several months.

Self-prescription of this drug is unacceptable. Thoughtless use of Cerucal is fraught with serious harm to the health of mother and child.

Contraindications:

• bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract;
• increased intraocular pressure;
• muscle hypertonicity and cramps;
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
• some types of hormonally active and hormonally dependent tumors;
• intestinal obstruction;
• epilepsy;
• lactation period;
• 1st trimester of pregnancy.

Despite the fact that this medicine has no contraindications for use in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, Cerucal should be taken with caution during these periods and only when absolutely necessary.

Possible side effects of the drug. In addition to a set of contraindications, Cerucal has a significant number of side effects:

• headaches, dizziness;
• increased fatigue, drowsiness;
• causeless anxiety, feelings of fear, development of depression;
• tremor;
• speech disorders;
• noise in ears;
• spasms of various muscle groups;
• increased muscle tone;
• decreased leukocyte levels;
• changes in blood pressure;
• tachycardia;
• stool disorders;
• swelling, dry mouth.

Overdose. In case of overdose with the tablet form of Cerucal, it is recommended to rinse the stomach (by inducing vomiting); at home, you can take activated carbon or any other sorbent.

Symptoms of mild forms of poisoning disappear after a day. Severe poisoning will require medical attention.

Symptoms associated with an overdose of this medicine:

• drowsiness;
• irritability;
• confusion;
• increased anxiety, restlessness;
• bradycardia;
• increase or decrease in pressure.

Note! The drug can affect the production of hormones and may distort test results. Therefore, it is necessary to notify your doctor about this and stop taking the drug a few days before taking the tests.

Drug interactions. When prescribing Cerucal, the doctor should inform the pregnant woman about taking other medications to avoid negative drug interactions.

So, Cerucal is capable of:

• increase the hepatotoxicity of drugs used simultaneously;
• enhance the absorption of a number of antibiotics (tetracycline and ampicillin) and paracetamol;
• lead to changes in the effects of antidepressants;
• destroy vitamin B1 while taking them simultaneously;
• reduce the effectiveness of digoxin and cimetidine.

A large number of side effects makes one seriously think about the need for pregnant women to take Cerucal.

What are the risks when taking Cerucal during pregnancy?

One of the side effects of Cerucal is the occurrence of muscle hypertonicity of various organs, including the uterus. During the period of bearing a child, hypertonicity of the uterus can provoke spontaneous abortion, therefore the appointment of Cerucal in the early stages of pregnancy is strictly contraindicated!

After 12 weeks of pregnancy, this drug should be used with caution.

Please note that if the expectant mother has uterine hypertonicity, taking Cerucal is contraindicated, regardless of the stage of pregnancy.

The use of this drug by pregnant women with severe hypo- or hypertension is considered a risky step. Cerucal's ability to change blood pressure can lead to serious illness while taking it. It can also cause dizziness and weakness. This will only aggravate the well-being of women with low blood pressure.

Prescribing such a drug during pregnancy to women with unstable kidney function can lead to the formation of significant edema. Their occurrence is due to one of the side effects of the drug. Such provocation of the body is unacceptable in case of kidney disease.

The absence of the above diseases does not mean that Cerucal is completely safe to use during pregnancy. But there are times when taking this drug is vital.

Such cases include persistent vomiting and significant weight loss due to nausea. In the first case, Cerucal is administered intravenously or intramuscularly to achieve a quick effect. In the second case, it is used in tablets, in the dosages specified by the doctor.

The appointment of Cerucal must be justified and made taking into account all contraindications and side effects. Although reviews of women who took Cerucal during pregnancy indicate relief in their well-being, unauthorized prescription of the drug to reduce the severity of toxicosis can lead to irreversible consequences.

Cerucal is a centrally acting antiemetic drug. This means that it blocks the receptors through which information is transmitted from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) to the vomiting center of the brain. In addition, Cerucal accelerates the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine and prevents the backflow of gastric contents into the esophagus. Thanks to all these mechanisms, after taking the drug, nausea, vomiting and even severe hiccups stop.

Indications

Cerucal is prescribed for diseases accompanied by nausea and vomiting caused by impaired peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract:

• Nausea and vomiting of various origins (except for disorders of the vestibular apparatus);
• Hypotension (decreased tone) of the stomach and intestines;
• Reflux esophagitis (reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus);
• During X-ray examination of the gastrointestinal tract to enhance peristalsis;
• Frequent, prolonged hiccups.

Use during pregnancy

At the beginning of pregnancy, many expectant mothers encountered such an unpleasant pregnancy companion as. Nausea, and not rarely, vomiting often occurs in the morning immediately after waking up and getting out of bed. The reason for this phenomenon is considered to be changes in hormonal levels and the body's immune system. The first symptoms begin to appear as early as 5–6 weeks and can last up to 16–18 weeks, that is, until the placenta is fully formed.

Important Use Cerucal during pregnancy Possible only under strict medical indications. It increases muscle tone and can cause miscarriage.

In most cases, specific drug treatment is not required. Usually it is enough to follow simple rules that will help cope with unpleasant sensations:

• Before getting out of bed, it is better to eat something (dry cookies or crackers), or drink a few sips of alkaline mineral water;
• Get up gradually, sudden movements increase nausea;
• Eliminate spicy, salty, fatty foods from your diet;
• Eat more fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits;
• It is better to eat in small portions, but often, after 2 - 3 hours;
• Drink plenty of liquids (water, teas, compotes), but it’s better to refuse;
• Try to relax more and spend time outdoors;
• Eat what you want, because your body will tell you which foods and nutrients are not enough.

If, in addition to nausea, there is also vomiting more than 5 times a day, weight loss and deterioration in the general condition of the body, you need to seek help from a doctor. Toxicoses of moderate and severe severity are treated in a hospital setting, lost fluid is constantly replenished and the well-being of the expectant mother is monitored.

The metoclopramide-based drug Cerucal is used during pregnancy to combat frequent vomiting. Often used in the early stages, when women suffer from. The drug should be used carefully and only on the recommendation of a doctor.

Reception during pregnancy

The first trimester of pregnancy is different for women. Many girls face the problem of nausea, frequent vomiting, and general malaise. Due to poor health, mood deteriorates and loss of strength is observed. A woman cannot lead a full life and suffers greatly because of this. Establishing normal nutrition at this time is also not easy. Sometimes any food eaten causes vomiting. A pregnant woman loses weight, which negatively affects the development of the embryo. Against the background of this condition, there is a threat of miscarriage.

If you are suffering from severe vomiting or toxicosis, you should visit a doctor and tell about all the symptoms. He will prescribe antiemetic drugs. Cerucal has this effect.

The instructions indicate that during pregnancy you should use it only when absolutely necessary.

You cannot prescribe for yourself, but if a medicine is recommended by a doctor, it is better to follow his advice. Constant vomiting, malnutrition and other symptoms will cause more harm to the baby than this drug.

Indications for use

All indications for the use of Cerucal are described in the relevant official instructions:

• nausea and vomiting due to injuries, operations;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• preparation for gastrointestinal tract examinations;
• heartburn;
• nausea caused by taking medications.

It is also stated here that the drug is prohibited in the early stages, but many doctors take this responsibility upon themselves, prescribing Cerucal for toxicosis. Such prohibitions in the instructions are due to the fact that mandatory studies that confirm or refute the dangers of a certain medication are never conducted among pregnant women in the first trimester. Therefore, such prohibitions apply to almost all medicines.

Often, Cerucal in the form of an injection solution is used in a hospital setting, when, due to exhaustion associated with toxicosis, a woman is admitted for preservation.

Instructions for use

The drug is available in tablet or injection format.

The maximum daily dose is 40 mg of metoclopramide, that is, 4 Cerucal tablets.

Take half an hour before meals. Take the tablet with a small amount of water. The active substance of the drug blocks receptors in the stomach that are responsible for nausea and vomiting. They send a signal to the corresponding part of the brain. After taking the pill, relief comes soon. A pregnant woman can eat normally.

In injection form, the drug is administered intramuscularly or intravenously. Its dosage is the same - 10 mg (1 ampoule) 3-4 times per day.

Risks in early pregnancy

The need to take this antiemetic drug in pregnant women arises in the early stages, when severe toxicosis begins. Only a doctor can prescribe it. He assesses the patient’s condition, her weight, pregnancy characteristics, duration, and other factors. The daily dosage is determined individually. Sometimes 2 tablets a day are enough for a woman to eat normally without experiencing severe nausea. The drug is prescribed if refusing to use antiemetics will harm the baby even more than using them. Only a specialist can sensibly assess all the risks, so you cannot choose your own treatment.

Contraindications

Antiemetics should not be used in the following cases:

• individual intolerance to the active substance and components of Cerucal;
• gastrointestinal bleeding;
• bronchial asthma;
• epilepsy;
• some types of cancer.

Almost all of the above factors are incompatible with pregnancy. When taking the drug for the first time, it is advisable to reduce the single dosage by half in order to monitor the body’s reaction. If allergies or other negative manifestations do not occur, then you can use the medicine in accordance with the specific recommendations of the gynecologist.

Analogs

Cerucal is an effective drug, but its price may seem overpriced. In this case, you should pay attention to analogues of this drug:

• Metoclopramide;
• Domrid;
• Metukal;
• Kinedryl.

Some of the above drugs are based on the same active ingredient as Cerucal. This category includes Metukal and Metoclopramide. Dormid and Kinedryl contain other active ingredients. They are used for individual intolerance to metoclopramide.

If you are concerned about severe nausea and constant vomiting during pregnancy, you should know the following information about Cerucal:

• the drug is taken as prescribed by a doctor;
• do not exceed the daily dose;
• the medicine fights nausea, relieves vomiting;
• long-term use is not recommended.

The first weeks of pregnancy in many women are accompanied by early toxicosis. Most often, its symptoms appear in the initial 20 weeks. The main clinical manifestation of toxicosis is vomiting, which is usually preceded by nausea and increased salivation. The intensity of these symptoms determines the severity of the woman’s condition.

Causes of nausea and vomiting

The main provoking factor in the occurrence of symptoms of early toxicosis is the presence of a fertilized egg. In response to its appearance in a woman’s body, a cascade of reactions is launched, which are pathogenetically significant in the development of vomiting in pregnant women.

Scientists have identified a number of theories that explain the development of these symptoms. The toxic concept is considered the oldest. It is based on poisoning the woman’s body with toxic substances produced by the fetus and placenta.

d researchers adhere to the endocrine theory, which considers changes in the content of hormones in a woman’s body to be the main reason. Thus, the coincidence of peaks of vomiting with an increase in the content of human chorionic gonadotropin and a decrease in the production of corticosteroids by the adrenal glands was revealed. Today, most researchers are of the opinion that all symptoms arise in response to a functional disorder of the central nervous system, aggravated by metabolic and neuroendocrine changes. The fertilized egg has an irritating effect on the receptors of the uterine mucosa, which leads to an increase in the excitability of subcortical formations and an increase in the response of the autonomic nervous system to its presence.

Description of the drug Cerucal

The active ingredient is metoclopramide.

The main principle of Cerucal's work is to block receptors in the central nervous system. As a result of the cessation of the flow of impulses that come to the vomiting center of the brain from irritated receptors of the stomach and duodenum, the urge to vomit stops. This mechanism allows the food bolus to actively continue its movement through all parts of the intestine.

The main effect of Cerucal is to stop vomiting and hiccups.

Forms of the drug

Pills. They have a round shape with a stripe in the middle. One tablet contains the main active ingredient - metoclopramide, as well as additional substances: gelatin as a base, silicon dioxide, starch and lactose.

Injection. The drug can be administered intravenously and intramuscularly. The dose of each injection is calculated by the doctor, based on the severity of the person’s condition.

How to take Cerucal correctly?
Only a doctor can prescribe the drug. The instructions for use indicate the following indications for taking the drug:

1. Copious, frequent vomiting.
2. Severe, long-lasting feeling of nausea.
3. Hiccups of any origin, with the exception of central origin due to disruption of the vestibular apparatus.
4. Decreased tone of different parts of the intestine.

If the woman’s condition is satisfactory, a tablet form of the drug is prescribed. They should be taken one tablet 30 minutes before meals, without chewing, with a sufficient amount of water. The effect occurs within 20–30 minutes.

If it is impossible to take tablets, in acute critical conditions an injection form of the drug is used. When administered intravenously, the effect occurs within five minutes, when administered intramuscularly – within fifteen.

Is it possible to use Cerucal during pregnancy?

Any drug affects the entire body as a whole. Therefore, there are diseases whose course is aggravated when taking it.

The main contraindications to the use of Cerucal are:

1. Tumor diseases.
2. Acute and chronic blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Epilepsy.
4. Childhood.
5. Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
6. Pregnancy, especially the first trimester.
7. Lactation period.

Researchers have proven the negative effect of the drug on the fetus and the woman’s body during pregnancy.

Why not?

The drug has a teratogenic effect on fetal development, thereby causing the formation of malformations. Since the main part of the child’s organs is formed in the first months, therefore, the use of Cerucal during early pregnancy to treat symptoms of toxicosis has an adverse effect on the fetus.

Metoclopramide affects the tone not only of the gastrointestinal tract, but also of the uterus. By increasing its tone and stimulating the production of the pituitary hormone prolactin, it causes the synthesis of human milk and uterine contractions. These pathogenetic aspects in the first months of pregnancy can provoke spontaneous miscarriage. This fact limits the use of Cerucal during all three trimesters of pregnancy.

From the second trimester of pregnancy, the likelihood of spontaneous miscarriage decreases. In this regard, the use of the drug becomes possible. But only a doctor can prescribe it and calculate the dosage.

However, it is worth remembering that Cerucal stimulates the synthesis of hormones by the adrenal glands, an increase in the content of which leads to the retention of salt and water in the body. Clinically, this is manifested by edema and worsening toxicosis.

The issue of appointing Cerucal is decided individually. The doctor needs to assess the risks of using this drug for the mother and fetus. Sometimes the manifestation of symptoms of early toxicosis becomes unbearable. The general condition of the mother is impaired due to constant nausea and vomiting. This leads to increased uterine tone. At the same time, the risks for the fetus increase, since due to vomiting the woman cannot eat and drink. In this case, the use of the drug is possible.

The main side effects of the drug are:

1. Diarrhea or constipation.
2. Change in blood pressure.
3. Parkinsonism.
4. Muscle hypertonicity.
5. Headache.
6. Dizziness.
7. Depression.
8. Drowsiness.
9. Skin rashes.

Cerucal is an unsafe drug that should not be taken at all in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. The presence of renal pathology in pregnant women increases the likelihood of complications and side effects from taking this drug. Only a doctor can prescribe and calculate the correct dose of the drug, taking into account contraindications and the somatic status of the pregnant woman.