Description

Metoclopramide is a prescription medication used to treat nausea, vomiting, and reflux in dogs and cats. It can also help to control vomiting associated with chemotherapy, and stomach and gastrointestinal upset following surgery. Metoclopramide is sold per tablet, or as an injectable or syrup. 

How It Works

When motility (movement) in the stomach is reduced, food pools and creates a sensation of nausea and bloating. In some cases, bile refluxes from the intestine back into the stomach, causing irritation and more nausea. Metoclopramide normalizes stomach contractions so that food and bile can pass in the correct direction. Additionally, metoclopramide is able to cross a biochemical blood-brain barrier to control nausea. Metoclopramide helps the vomiting pet by acting directly on the brain to reduce the sensation of nausea. 

Dosage and Administration

Metoclopramide is usually given 3 or 4 times a day. Give each dose with plenty of water. Follow your veterinarian¿s instructions. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Store metoclopramide at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.

Metoclopramide is a prescription medication used to treat nausea, vomiting, and reflux disease in dogs and cats.

Metoclopramide is also used to treat post-operative nausea and vomiting and to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.

Metoclopramide (5 mg)

Active Ingredients (per tablet)

Metoclopramide: 5 mg

Other Ingredients

Anhydrous lactose, Magnesium Stearate, Povidone, Pregelatinized Starch, Sodium Starch Glycolate, D&C Yellow #10, and FD&C Blue #1.

Metoclopramide (10 mg)

Active Ingredients (per tablet)

Metoclopramide: 10 mg

Other Ingredients

Anhydrous lactose, Magnesium Stearate, Povidone, Pregelatinized Starch, Sodium Starch Glycolate, D&C Yellow #10, and FD&C Blue #1.

What happens if I miss giving a dose?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don¿t remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication. 

What happens if I overdose the pet?

Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, and uncontrollable movements of the legs, face and tongue, muscle spasm of the neck, tremor, irritability and agitation. 

Possible Side Effects of Metoclopramide

Stop giving metoclopramide and contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue, face; and hives), uncontrollable spasms of the legs, lips, jaw, tongue, face or other body part, anxiety, agitation, insomnia, depression, yellowing of the skin or eyes, seizures. Other less serious side effects that may occur include nausea or diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, fluid retention, increased urination. Continue to give the medication and contact your veterinarian.

What should I avoid while giving metoclopramide to my pet?

Do not use Preventic Flea Collar on your pet while giving this medication.

What other drugs will affect metoclopramide?

Before giving metoclopramide, tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given an MAOI such as selegiline or Anipryl (within the last 14 days), digoxin, cyclosporine, tetracycline, insulin, a narcotic pain reliever or anticholinergic or antispasmodic medications such as Bentyl (dicyclomine). Also tell your veterinarian of any other medications you are giving that may cause drowsiness such as pain relievers, anxiety medications, muscle relaxants or any other prescription or over the counter medications. 

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving metoclopramide to my pet?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or recent stomach surgery. Inform your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating. 

Cautions

Do not use a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as Anipryl, Selegiline, or a Preventic Flea Collar on your pet while giving this medication. Stop giving metoclopramide and contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has an allergic reaction. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, if your pet has had recent stomach surgery, or is pregnant or lactating.